Edward Ryan

New Lebanon – Edward “Ted” Joseph Ryan, 78, of Mooresville, NC, formerly of New Lebanon, NY, died Saturday, May 15, 2010, at the Gordon Hospice Center in Statesville, NC.
Born on April 11, 1932, in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Mabel Carrier Ryan.
He faithfully and honorably served his country in the National Guard as a Marine Veteran of the Korean War and as part of the Marine Reserves until 1959. He enjoyed a successful career at Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, where he retired after 25 years of service and was proud that he “never missed his quota.” After Firestone he decided to take to the open road and drove an eighteen-wheeler until 2001.
Ted had many interests, but stock car racing was his passion. It culminated in his introduction into the New York Stock Car Association Hall of Fame in 1989 after serving as the head starter at Lebanon Valley Speedway for many years. He was active in his community and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Floyd Carlton Post #1236, where he served as Commander numerous times, and the Lions Club in New Lebanon.
Ted leaves his wife, Dorothy Young Ryan, of Mooresville; the couple would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on May 25, 2010. He also leaves eight children, Patrick Ryan and wife Anne, of Denver, NC, Jane Ryan and the late Peter Harty of Huntersville, NC, Susan Ryan and Ron Rickert of Old Chatham, NY, Colleen Thurston and husband Charles of Denver, NC, Shirley Van Wormer of Lanesboro, MA, Michael Van Wormer of Johnstown, NY, Nicholas Van Wormer of Gloversville, NY, and Eric VanWormer of Albany, NY, six grandchildren, Alannah Farnham and husband Ed, Chadd Ryan and wife Stacy, Jennifer Ryan, Sean Ryan, Kenneth Ryan and Charles “Ryan” Thurston, three great-grandchildren, Austryn Ryan and Riley and Cameron Lynch. Ted is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was pre-deceased by his nephew, Edward VanWormer.
The family will hold a visitation on Friday, July 9, from 4 to 7 pm at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown, NY. A prayer service will follow officiated by Rev. John Close. There will be a private burial at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gordon Hospice Center, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC, 28625, in memory of Edward Ryan.