Timothy Ryan Obituary

Retired Lynn Fire Department Lieutenant Timothy J. Ryan, age 72, passed away in his home in North Conway, NH, on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Originally from Malden, he was the oldest child of late Malden Firefighter George F. Ryan and Barbara (Kramer) Ryan. He leaves behind his two daughters, Colleen Ryan of Malden, MA and Alysha Berger and husband Max, and his Godson, James Sapier and wife Miranda with sons Ryan and Lucas of Gorham, ME. Tim is lovingly remembered by his two granddaughters, Ella Gerardi and Eufemia Restuccia, both of Malden, MA. He is also survived by his siblings, John G. Ryan and wife Mary of Hampton, NH, Christina Downey and husband Alan of Wilmington, MA, Irene Hinchley and partner Randy Califf of N. Fort Meyers, FL, and Katherine Ryan and Carolyn Byrnes of Everett, MA.
Tim's dedication to his work as a firefighter went beyond a job-it was his life's passion. His career with the Lynn Fire Department began in 1974. He was promoted to Provisional Lieutenant in September of 1985 and made Permanent Lieutenant one week later on September 8, 1985. Tim proudly graduated with a BA in Fire Science Administration from Salem State University in 1992 and he retired from the LFD on December 1, 2003, from Engine 9, Division 1. Tim's devotion to his profession was evidenced in one stand-out memory; after fighting the second-largest fire in Lynn's history, he brought his two-year-old daughter to see it, eager for her to be part of the experience (though she wouldn't remember this unconventional father-daughter adventure).
While Tim found purpose in his allegiance and service to the LFD, music was surely his solace and inspiration, and as nimble as his fingers were with a guitar, they were equally as deft in the repair and rebuilding of antique clocks. These hobbies held Tim's interest from his youth all the way through his retirement years and although he was the last firefighter in the Ryan family, he left a lasting legacy reflected in his children's work in service, healthcare, education and musical performance. Tim also passed down his deep devotion to the Boston Bruins.
To his beloved grandchildren-Ella, Eufemia, and James's sons Ryan and Lucas-Tim insisted on being called "Crazy Gramps." He reveled in being silly and making them laugh. Above all, there was no greater honor for Tim than being the namesake of James's son. He treasured every update on his grandchildren's lives, milestones and interests, proudly displaying their pictures throughout his home.
Tim's memory will be honored on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Rt. 129), Lynn from 9-11a.m., followed by a Funeral Procession to Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn at 11a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Timothy, please visit our floral store.