Robert Lee Ryan, Sr. of Laurel passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
Born in Seaford on March 1, 1937, he was the son of the late John and Nora (Donovan) Ryan. The love of his life, Rosa Lee (Billings) Ryan passed in November of 2023, and once again they are together rejoicing his arrival by her side.
Robert had worked as a mechanic for most of his life, at Reese Carey’s Getty in Laurel, retiring after 55 dedicated years. He was resourceful and exhibited an extraordinary work ethic throughout his professional and personal life and there was no one better at fixing anything with an engine!
In his younger days, Robert enjoyed boating and water skiing. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking on the grill, putting puzzles together, and doing word seek puzzles. Lately, his favorite things to do were watching Westerns and listening to country music.
Robert was a devoted husband to Rosa Lee and a loving father to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. More than anything, his greatest enjoyment in life was the time spent with his family. Robert will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family and the joy he brought to the lives of those around him.
In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by several siblings: Edward Ryan, Nora Lee Caudill, and Mary Bull. He is survived by his son, Robert Lee Ryan “Roby”, Jr.; his daughters: Rhonda Collins (Dean) of Laurel and Lisa Brown (Glen) of Greenwood; his grandchildren: Jaime Cooper (Scott), Troy Scott, Stephanie Vodvarka, Justin Ryan (Heather), Ryan Hearn (Samantha), and Ricky Brown (Alicia); his great-grandchildren: Shea, Emmy, Rylee, David, Kayleigh, Kole, Torin, Riley, and Kaiden; and his sisters: Ida Mae Doyle, Annabelle Lambert, Virginia Jenkins, Doris Calloway, Joyce Ann Ryan, and Cathy Ryan Monk.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. at the Mission Community Church, 30186 Seaford Rd., Laurel, DE 19956. A viewing will be held before the service from 10-11 a.m. Interment will follow at Blades Cemetery,1000 Market St/13A, Blades, DE 19973.
Services are respectfully being handled by Watson-Yates Funeral Home, a Parsell Family Funeral Home, 609 E. King St., Seaford, DE, 19973.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Robert’s memory to a charity of your choice, or to the Mission Community Church, 30186 Seaford Rd., Laurel, DE 19956.
Please visit Robert’s Life Memorial Webpage at www.watsonyatesfuneralhome.com.