Robert W. “Bob, Doc, Bo-Ry” Ryan

Robert W. Ryan, Cranston Police Department, Retired Major/Deputy Chief of Police, 59, of Cranston, Rhode Island, passed away October 7, 2021, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after a long and courageous fight with cancer.

 He was the son of the late Richard (Dick) Ryan, retired Cranston Fire Department, and Jane (Harry) Ryan. He is survived by his loving wife, Marianne McMahon, and his devoted daughter Lauren Nicole Ryan of Brooklyn, NY. Bob is also survived by his two brothers, Rick (Sharon) Ryan of Warwick and Rodney (Robyn) Ryan of Cranston, his nephew Richard Joseph (RJ) of Warwick, and his stepsons, Michael J. McMahon (Pawtucket Fire Department, wife Tina), and Matthew McMahon (Pawtucket Fire Department). He was the loving PopPop to Gianna McMahon and Joseph Testa.

At a young age, under the watchful eye of his Dad, Bob learned the electrical trade and continued to “make connections” for many friends and family members until the time of his death. Bob was a graduate of Providence College, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University. On July 8, 1988, Bob was sworn into the Cranston Police Department as a patrolman.  A rough and tough street cop whose beat was the Arlington section of Cranston, he was known to be fair and dedicated to the profession. Over his twenty-six years of service, he was promoted through the ranks, attending many seminars and receiving commendations and awards. In May of 2014, Bob retired as Major/Deputy Chief of Police and Public Information Officer of the department.

His writing ability and vocabulary were second to none (you’re right, he didn’t write this obituary). His wife always said, “Bob is the most intelligent man I know”. One of his favorite pastimes was catching a game of Jeopardy with his daughter Lauren by his side. Marianne always excused herself because she was no competition for those two brainiacs.

He LOVED sports and enjoyed watching whatever sporting event he could find. Sundays in the Ryan household were always known as “a Sports Extravaganza”: sports all day with ice cold Coors and Bob’s famous calzone. He loved playing sports and never backed down from a competition, whether it was on the ball field or in the backyard playing cornhole and can jam.

His humor was quick and dry. Bob always had a story or two and was able to keep the laughter going, even in his final days. He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered as a courageous fighter. As his father would say, “you have a lot of ass Robert Wayne”.

Bob and his family would like to thank his primary care physician, Dr. Mark Rosenberg, the staff of Dana Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital for their excellent care. They extend a very special thank you to Dr. Glenn Hanna, Asst. Director of Dana Farber Head and Neck Oncology, PA Ronnie King, and Bob’s very special angel, Nurse Michelle Mullins. Their love, compassion, and dedication to their professions encouraged Bob to always have hope.

Bob’s funeral service will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, on Wednesday at 11 a.m. VISITING HOURS will be on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. 

          Rest peacefully Bob, you won all the battles!

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