Charles E Ryan

Charles “Charlie” Enright Ryan Jr. of Littleton, 76, passed away at his home on July 14, 2016. He was surrounded by his family and favorite dog Roxie. He was born January 27, 1940 in Lakewood, Ohio to Charles Enright and Mary Margaret (Finucan) Ryan.

In 1958, Charlie graduated from high school in Rocky River, Ohio. He served 20 years in the Army at various locations including Iceland, Iran, Germany, and two tours in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star. He retired from the military in 1978 and moved to Littleton. After his retirement, he worked a wide variety of jobs including radio engineer for local area radio stations, volunteer fireman, short order cook, manager of Radio Shack, and was a lay minister for St. Rose of Lima. He was also a round dance cuer and ballroom dance instructor. He earned a BS in Business from Lyndon State College, a Radio Operator License from the FCC and a license to operate a railroad. In addition to all of his jobs, Charlie was active in the Boy Scouts as a Commissioner, and as a Scout Master and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 1977. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars serving as Quartermaster of Post 816 and District 1 Commander, New Hampshire as well as being a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans, Orleans County Chapter 22. He was also Chairman of the Littleton Planning Board and Chairman of the Ammonoosuc River Advisory Board. Charlie volunteered with the Lions Club during many Christmas seasons and was seen in the company of Santa Claus.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Willey) Ryan; children David and wife Martha (Castles) of Wisconsin, Mary and husband Noel Murray of Lisbon, Robert and wife Sarah (Marr) of North Carolina. Five grandchildren, Denise Ryan and son Gabriel of Virginia, Jennifer Ryan of Tennessee, Donabeth and husband Lucas Harvey of Lebanon, Charlayna Murray of North Hartland VT, Corrie Murray and son Karter of Lisbon. He is survived by sister-in-law Shirley Ryan of Ohio and her children as well as special friends Will Laliberty, Max Lapointe, and Patty and Phil Rivera. Charlie was predeceased by his parents, his sister Gail, his brother Mark, and his son Charles.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Wednesday July 20th at Ross Funeral Home, 282 West Main St. Littleton NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 77 Clay St. Littleton on Thursday July 21st. Those who wish may make donations in Charlies name to North County Home Health & Hospice 536 Cottage St. Littleton, NH 03561.

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