Stephen T. Ryan, 49, of New Bedford died March 30, 2014 at the home of his sister after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Born in New Bedford, the son of Ivy G. (Mullin) Leavitt and her husband James Leavitt of Palmetto, FL and the late Peter J. Ryan, he lived in New Bedford most of his life. Although he spent several years living in Florida, he always considered New Bedford home.
A veteran of the United States Army Reserves, he was formerly employed as a commercial fisherman in both the states of Alaska and Massachusetts. He also worked as a boat builder and finish carpenter.
Stephen's greatest love was for the outdoors where he enjoyed camping and was known by all as an avid sports fisherman.
Survivors include his mother Ivy Leavitt and his stepfather Jim Leavitt; a son, Steven Ryan of New Bedford; a brother, Scott Ryan of Portsmouth, RI; two sisters, Debra McCann and her husband Justin of Dartmouth, and Dawn Rocha and her husband Kenneth of Acushnet; two nieces, Caitlin Ryan and Taylor McCann; and four nephews, Joshua Ryan, and Benjamin, Samuel and Peter Rocha.
His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 11 AM in St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 884 Kempton St., New Bedford.