Ryan Walter Sernel, 12, passed away suddenly on March 12, 2018. He was the loving son of Tracy and Marc Sernel, and caring and devoted brother of Catherine and Doug. He was a sweet boy and friend to all, and brightened the day of those he came across with a smile that could melt anyone's heart. While his time on this earth was much too short, he lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed every second. Straight A student, chess champion, articulate beyond his years, and lover of many other sports – Ryan enjoyed and excelled in everything that his physical capabilities would allow. His family and many others will dearly miss him every single day for his love, compassion, wittiness, and magnetic personality. We feel so fortunate that Ryan was ours and will always remember and cherish our time with him. Ryan is also survived by his grandparents Walter and Eleanor Minor and Gordon and Sharon Sernel, his loving aunts Chris (Marv) Minor and Laurie Citta, his loving uncles Chris (Kim) Sernel and Mike (April) Sernel, and cousins Kevan Citta and Avalyn and Lincoln Sernel. A wake will be held on Friday, March 16 from 3-9 PM at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge, IL.  A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge at noon on Saturday March 17, 2018.  Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Ryan's honor to the Barth Syndrome Foundation, P.O. Box 419264, Boston, MA, 02241, or on-line https://www.barthsyndrome.org/waystohelp/donate/donate.html. For info call 847-685-1002  or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com .