Gerald C. Ryan

AUBURN: Gerald C. Ryan,75, of Washington St., died Thursday, July 3rd at his home after a long battle with dementia. He leaves his son; Michael G. Ryan and Cathy Herrick of Sturbridge, his daughter; Heather M. Messier and her husband Christopher of E. Brookfield, his brother; Robert Ryan of Shrewsbury, 6 grandchildren; Dillon & Kiley Ryan, Ella Herrick, Ayla, Aubrey & Anna Messier, his former wife; Louise (Dilling) Meyerdierks of Spencer, nieces, and a close friend; Judy Wackell of Auburn.

Born in Worcester on Valentine's Day, he was the second son of George H. and Margaret (Montgomery) Ryan. He later graduated from the former Assumption Prep. He then went on to earn a degree in English Literature and Communications at the College of the Holy Cross.

Throughout most of his career, he held public relations positions at various institutions, including Bentley College, Hallmark Health System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, and the Department of Developmental Disabilities. He also worked at several hospitals, including the former Hahnemann Hospital, New England Baptist Hospital, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Gerry's truest passion throughout his life was music. In his early years, he played in the band American Standard.  A talented and well-known singer-songwriter, Gerry enjoyed performing in various venues on the North Shore. He released two CDs that he was extremely proud of:  "Halfway Home" and "Today in Yesteryear."  He was a founding member of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival and served on the Board of Directors for several years. Each summer, he treasured his time spent sharing music at the Summer Acoustic Music Week (SAMW) in Meredith, NH.

Gerry loved visits to the ocean. He lived most of his adult life in the home he cherished in Salem, MA, where he could visit the shore whenever he pleased. Several of his songs reflect his love of coastal life. Gerry took great pleasure in singing sea chanteys and sea songs with a community of musicians called Three Sheets to the Wind.

Gerry's family would like to thank the nurses at Brookdale, Eddy Pond, and the VNA Hospice nurses for their ongoing care, support, and attention to detail throughout his dementia journey.

Graveside services will be held privately in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival (SJSF) P.O. Box 4511, Salem, MA, 01982. The J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer, is assisting the family with arrangements.