Edward Russell Ryan, Jr. Obituary

Edward Russell Ryan, Jr., (Sergeant Retired PPD) age 62, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2020, surrounded by family and friends.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Leslie, his two children Brendan (Firefighter E.P. F.D.) and Brittney, and his mother Ellen. Ed is also survived by his sister Ann Marie Lisi, his brother Jack Ryan (Captain Retired PPD), Jack’s long-time girlfriend Debra, his sister Ellen Tavares and Ellen’s husband Dan. Not to be forgotten are his beloved Golden Retrievers “Sarge”, “Harley” and the late “Bullet”. Ed is the son of the late Edward R. Ryan (Lieutenant Retired PPD).

Ed was born and raised in the City of Providence where he attended Saint Raymond’s grammar school, followed by LaSalle Academy. After High School he attended the University of Rhode Island earning a bachelor’s degree as well as Roger Williams University where he earned a second bachelor’s degree. Although he started working in the automotive industry, he was drawn to the family tradition of law enforcement. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ed entered the Providence Police Academy in 1988. He spent his career in the Patrol Division as a Patrolman and a Sergeant, working with the best of the best. He served the people of Providence for 27 years before retiring as a Sergeant in 2015.

His retirement was consumed by his passion for his motorcycles and his Blue Knight’s family. The one constant was his Tuesday night rides with the Blue Knights. In retirement, Ed enjoyed spending time with his Mother and always made sure she had a ride to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, and out to lunch. He also enjoyed his retirement gig at the Dunkin Donuts Center (“the Dunk”) in Providence, Rhode Island. This was especially true when the Providence Bruins were on the ice or a band with a good guitarist came into town. As was true everywhere he went, Ed made lifelong friends in his time at the Dunk.

Ed’s devotion and love for his wife and children were apparent whenever he spoke. The conversation always turned to Leslie, Brendan, and Brittney. His pride over his children was always apparent. He also was devoted to his best buddies, Bullet, Sarge, and Harley. Ed asked to take Bullet’s ashes with him on his journey, showing how deeply he loved his pups. In addition, Ed had a large extended family that included nieces and nephews. He loved gathering for Sunday dinners with the whole family, where he always had some story to keep the group entertained.

He leaves behind a wide group of brothers and sisters in blue from the Providence Police Department and the Blue Knights. These friends, as well as many others from his childhood, were able to spend time with him over the last few weeks, telling stories and sharing memories. It was clear that Ed never met a person that did not become a friend and in most cases family.

Please join us in celebrating Ed’s life on Thursday, November 5, 2020, between 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at St. Philip’s Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville, Rhode Island, 02828. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Ed’s Mass and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following entities, all of which held a special place to Ed: (1) Malloy Strong- (Visit giving.lifespan.org and designate Malloy Strong Lifespan Cancer Institute); (2) Blue Knights Rhode Island 1, P.O. Box 8296, Warwick, Rhode Island, 02888, and (3) Hope Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02904.