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​Donald F. Ryan

By Lisa Ace


Donald F. Ryan - Holley NY, 89, passed away December 4, 2022, in the arms of his daughter.  Don was born March 20, 1933, a son of the late Franklin and Mabel Ryan.  Mr. Ryan was the oldest active member of the Holley Fire Department, Fire Police and Fire Marshall.  Don served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.  He enjoyed working on his farm and taking care of the waterfowl, of which each one had a name.  He also treasured his dogs.  Don’s greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren. 

Don was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Darl (Gillette) Ryan, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandy & George Bower, nephew, Edwin Bower and siblings, jerry, Betty, Russell, Fredy and Lucille Ryan. 

Survived by his son, Kevin (Elaine) Ryan of Holley; daughter, Kelly Ryan Valente of Batavia; grandchildren, LeeAnna (Dan) SanFilippo, Nicholas (Carmen) Valente, Jesse (Ashleigh) Valente; great-grandchildren, Ryan SanFilippo, Michael Vito Valente, Josefina Lynn Valente, Salina Rose Valente; several nieces, nephews, cousins. 

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 Route 31, Holley, NY., on Sunday December 11, from 1:00-4:00pm followed by his funeral service at the funeral home at 4:00pm.  Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring with military honors. 

Memorials may be made to the Holley fire Dept. 7 Thomas St. Holley, NY 14470. 

To share a special memory of Don, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfunealhomes.com 

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