Lawrence Clifford Ryan

Lawrence Clifford Ryan It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Ryan, who left us peacefully on January 16, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born on October 15, 1944, at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Hammond, Indiana to Florence C. Ryan and Francis J. Ryan Larry was a loving father, grandfather, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eilleen Veronica (Tkacz) Ryan, and his daughter, Kelly A. Ryan (Jason Noel Vandenburgh), loving granddaughter, Emma Veronica Vandenburgh and his favorite sister, F. Judith Tonk (Jack Tonk). Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Eileen Veronica Ryan, his mother, Florence and father, Francis and his brother, F. Daniel Ryan. He graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in 1962 where he was involved in Student Senate, Radio Club and wrestling. Larry started working at a young age as a mechanic at Starks’ Citgo service station in Calumet City, Illinois. He watched daily as the love of his life walked by on her way to school at St. Andrew’s. Larry and Eileen married at a young age and grew old together for 60 years. Larry bought the Citgo station at 20 years old and grew his business to where he bought the Texaco station 4 blocks away. He made many connections and worked on many vehicles for over 20 years. Larry and Eileen moved to Lowell where they built their home. After growing tired of the daily trip to the service station he decided to sell to their employees, the Grelecki brothers. He tried working for a few individuals however Larry was more of the take charge kind of guy. Larry was an entrepreneur with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence who entered the world of insulation. Not just the normal pink insulation, like Larry’s life, his insulation had to be shiny and reflective and there grew his many businesses of Astro Foil , Refex-tec, Sealed-Air, Innovative energy, Ply-Co, and MWI were developed. Larry served as the president of Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International. He gave his family a wonderful life by working every day and talking his way through many sales and investments. Larry always loved a party, hence why his workday always ended at the tavern. You could always find him with a glass of Cutty Sark in hand laughing and telling tales with strangers he now calls friends. Larry was a dedicated member of St. Edwards Church “usher” of the balcony he was, and you better make sure you had your “offering” ready because he wasn’t moving until you put your money in the basket. Larry was a member of the Hunkee Hollow Athletic Club, member of the Friendly Sons of Erin and a lifelong Chicago Bears fan and never missed a game, even while in the hospital he enjoyed a WIN against Green Bay. He was so very proud of his girls, Eileen and Kelly and extremely proud of his only grandchild, Emma, and her many accomplishments. Larry’s warmth, generosity and sense of humor will truly be missed by many. The family of Larry wishes to thank the dedicated staff and members of Dunes Hospice for the care and love they showed him during his final days. All are welcome to join the family in celebrating the life of Larry on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 3 pm – 7 pm at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10 am directly at St. Edwards Church, 216 S. Nichols Street, Lowell, IN, with a luncheon to follow at the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, my father requested donations to Emma’s college fund. Larry will be deeply missed but forever remembered and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Lawrence Clifford Ryan

October 15, 1944 - January 16, 2025