William "Barry" Ryan, 74, of Louisville Kentucky passed away on Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 after a 9 month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Barry is survived by his wife Dorothy of 55 years, daughters Lisa Sabin (Darrell), Theresa Tarter. Grandchildren Danielle Tarter (Joey Minutillo), Ryan Tarter, Erika Ryan, Winnie Tarter (Fred Newman), Matthew Ryan, Jeremy Warren and Kennedy Sabin. Great Grandchildren, Bonnie Jean Newman and Georgia Marie Clair Newman. Sister, Mary Ann Shepherd, and brother, Thomas Ryan and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Barry retired from Butternut Bread (formerly Taystee) where he was a truck mechanic and a member of the Teamsters Union.
He was a member of St. Matthias Parish where he spent countless hours volunteering his time with picnics, the school, Men's Club and coaching baseball, football and basketball. He made many lifelong friends at St. Matthias.
Barry was a KY Colonel, a member of the HiWay AC Men's Club / Duffy's Tavern and the Old Timers Softball League.As a youth he cherished his time at St. Anthony's and Flaget High School. He was a mentor to many young people throughout his life. He especially enjoyed spending time with a group of young men that included his grandson, Ryan Tarter that he jokingly referred to as "The Thugs" encouraging them to have the "burning desire to succeed".
Barry was a strong family man who cherished most of all time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he was so proud of. He was a loyal friend with a generous heart. He loved volunteering his time, especially if it had anything to do with children or sports and helping anyone in need. He was a memory maker. Some may remember taking rides in the back of his pick up truck"OLD BLUE" to Dairy Dell for ice cream or helping him around the St. Matthias ball field and concession stand and setting up for the annual picnics. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to:
Hosparus of Louisville or the American Cancer Society.
Visitation will be from 10am - 8pm on Saturday, March 5th with Funeral Service on Sunday, March 6th at 12pm at Owen Funeral Home located at 5317 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Ky 40216