Charles T. Ryan

Charles Thomas (Charlie) Ryan June 8, 1963 - October 9, 2026

A joyful spirit has left our world.

Charlie Ryan of Thornton, Illinois and later Chicago, Illinois, was brave, faithful, supportive, gregarious, kind, smart, and funny. He was a truck driver, volunteer fireman, a US Air Force airman, jokester, jigsaw puzzler, storyteller, a devoted fan of the Illinois lottery, and a great Santa Claus (his favorite persona).

Charlie started life as the sixth of the ten children of Patrick and Bridget (nee Caffrey) Ryan, immigrants from Ireland. He was a big guy with an equally big heart who loved nothing more than to make people happy. Charlie was exceedingly generous and genuine. He always had a story to tell and would share with all in sight.

Charlie loved his nieces and nephews: Sarah Cochran Ryan (Beto Mota), Sean and Maggie Ryan, Bridget and Gena Bernal, Niamh Ryan, Henry and Wade Belew, Luke Phelan and Addie Phelan, Noah Ryan and — the light of his life -- Caroline Ryan. Charlie was step-uncle to Katie, Luke (Holly), Mairead, and Siobhán Kealy. He was a fun great-uncle to Ryan Mota, Liam Heskett, Nora and Vera Calato and Henry Kealy. Charlie’s faithful canine companions were Calvin, the famous Seamus, and Moose.

Being a volunteer firefighter with the Thornton Fire Department was a high point in Charlie’s life. When a truck accident permanently damaged his leg, he continued to serve the Fire

Department by running their canteen. He loved everything about the fire service and often found creative ways to meet up with firefighters and paramedics.

Charlie suffered and overcame major medical events in his life which would have defeated us lesser mortals. These challenges were met with fortitude and resolve, helped in no small way by the Ryan siblings: Mary, Mike (Tina), Bernie (Steve Spiewak), Rita (Neil Waring), Tish (John Thulin), Eileen (Jerry Kealy), Nan (Matt Belew), Brigid, and Patrick (Mhari). With the very special talents and commitment of his two indefatigable sisters Tish and Eileen, Charlie powered through often unbearable pain and seemingly endless medical visits to beat the odds more than once. Now — his body tired and weakened — Charlie has bravely faced his final challenge with love of family at the forefront. He leaves his entire family and dear friends bereft, already feeling the loss of his singular, genuine, quirky spirit. And yet we are confident that he’s moving forward — completely healthy — to join his parents in a Heaven with blessings Charlie truly earned and richly deserves.

The Ryan family wishes to especially thank John Thulin and Jerry Kealy for their consistent support and care — and endless patience. We also want to recognize his caregiver, helper, and friend for the past three years, Abushola. And finally…we wish to recognize all of his caregivers and medical personnel throughout the years. His final team in the Oncology Unit at Lutheran General Hospital were the blessed answers to our most fervent wishes for his final days. You are all kindness incarnate.

Good night, sweet Charlie, and may the angels lead you into Paradise.

A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, October 11th, 2026 at Cooney Funeral Home from 3pm - 7pm with a short prayer service at 6:30pm.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 12th, 2026 at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago at 2:00pm.