Obituary of Stephen J. Ryan

Mr. Stephen J. "Tinker" Ryan, 70, of Amsterdam, passed away Wednesday September 9, 2009 at Albany Medical Center Hospital following a brief illness. Born in the Bronx, NY on October 20, 1938 a son of the late Stephen J. and Kathleen Gill Ryan. He was a lifelong resident of the Amsterdam. He attended St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam and was a 1958 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Tinker worked for Boss-Linco for over 20 years in Amsterdam. He was a member of the Teamsters Local #294 and was a truck driver throughout his career. He also worked for Callanan Industries of Troy and Polletti Stone Co. of Saratoga. Mr. Ryan was a member of the New York Air National Guard in Scotia. He was a member and former house chairman of the Bigelow Weavers Club in Amsterdam. He was also a member of the Broadalbin American Legion and the Mountain Top Hunting Camp. Tinker was a huge supporter of youth sports in the area and was involved in the Perth Youth Commission and the former Perth Central School Booster Clubs. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. He was an avid New York Yankees fan. Mr. Ryan married Roxann Sievert Ryan on May 19. 1963. In addition to his wife survivors include two sons, Darren Ryan Shelley of Amsterdam and Stephen Ryan of Amsterdam. Three daughters Michele Wojdyla Randy of Amsterdam, Kathleen Picciocca Steve of Amsterdam and Colleen Schwartz Chuck of Amsterdam. Two sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Zurawicki of Amsterdam and Kathleen "Mickey" Lang of Niskayuna, NY. Fourteen grandchildren, Breanna, Brennan and Brooke Wojdyla, Christine PerezP.J. Perez, Brandon and Kyle Ryan, Robert, Danielle and Ashley Ryan, Giovanna, Dominic and Gino Picciocca, Reagan and Preston Schwartz. Three great-grandchildren, Darren, Zachary and Joshua Perez. Nieces, Nephews and cousins. Tinker also leaves behind his four-legged best friend Sophie Mae. Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 12th, 2009 at 8:15A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15A.M. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, East Main St. Amsterdam with Father Brian List as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ft. Johnson, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday September 11th, 2009 from 4:00 to 7:00P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Institute, Upper Church Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the Perth Youth Commission, 329 Steers Road, Amsterdam, New York 12010.