Theodore “Toby” W. Ryan, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2021 at the age of 87. Toby was a lifelong Delawarean, growing up in Holloway Terrace where he was a member of the Fire Company and Baptist Church. He and his wife Shirley built a home in North Wilmington, where they raised their four children. He was a deacon, choir member and Sunday School teacher at Bethel Baptist Church. They later moved to Townsend, DE where Toby built a home on a small farm, enjoyed by the family for over 25 years. Toby and Shirley have been members of Hockessin UMC for over 10 years, and their current home is in Newark, where they have been surrounded by wonderful neighbors who have become good friends.
Toby’s was a life well-lived, guided by his faith and the support of family and friends. He was an avid golfer, who made it nearly a requirement that his family learn and play the game. He shot his age several times in his 80s, and had many golfing friends.
Toby was retired from Insulators Union, Local 42, where he served as business agent, followed by many years as president of the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council. His passion and commitment to being a voice for Labor inspired him to successfully run for political office as President of New Castle County Council. He was appointed to the Delaware Solid Waste Authority, where he served for 39 years. He was awarded the Order of the First State by Governor Jack Markell.
Toby is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Shirley (Conrad) Ryan; their children Deborah Ryan, Colleen Ryan Badidis (Apostolos), Cheryl Ryan Oessenich (Kevin), Theodore “Toby” W. Ryan, III (Kim), grandchildren Ryan Oessenich (Amy), Sarah Oessenich Wilcox (Jared), Diamandis Badidis (Alina), Michael Badidis (Anna), John Badidis, Stephen Ryan, Melissa Ryan, Rebecca Ryan, great grandchildren Caleb, Claire, Emmy, Levi, Kayla, Emma Joy. He is also survived by his brother Robert Ryan (Peggy), sisters Marianne Taylor (Bill) and Sheila Ryan McCall, sisters-in-law Mary Norvell Ryan and Louise Conrad Rice. He was the favorite uncle and great uncle of many nephews and nieces. Toby was predeceased by his brothers Raymond, James, and Jake; sister Anna Mae Rogers, and brothers-in-law Warren McCall and Harold (“Bud”) Rice.
Due to COVID restrictions, the service for Toby will be private. There will be a celebration of Toby’s life – where friends and family can be together – when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Toby’s name to Hockessin United Methodist Church, 7250 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707.
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