Richard Ryley

1/7/2022

Reverend Richard “Dick” Ryley, devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 7 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Dick was born on July 31, 1934 in New York City and lived a great life filled with many wonderful memories with family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Norris and Vira Woodman Ryley, his brother Thomas Ryley and his devoted loving wife of 49 years, Joan Straley Ryley. He is survived by his three sons and their wives: John & Patricia, Ken & Annie, and Dave & Holly, as well as his five grandchildren: Kailan, Joshua, Allison, Aaron, and Noah, and one great grandchild, Layla.

Dick was a Methodist pastor for 54 years during which he selflessly served many parishes and touched countless lives. His churches were located in Highlands, NJ, Rowayton, CT, Plainview, NY, Beacon, NY, Verbank, NY, Middletown, NY and Warwick, NY. At the time of his passing, he was a vibrant member of the Skycrest United Methodist Church, in Clearwater, Florida.

Dick was very passionate about his 4 favorite things: Family, The Lord, Birds and Baseball! He loved going on trips with Joan and exploring new places. He had an extensive lifelong bird list having traveled to almost every state in the US as well as 5 different continents in search of new sightings. An avid sports fan who especially loved baseball, he loved spending days and nights at ballparks in search of autographs or just the serenity and atmosphere of the game. He most recently resided in Clearwater, Florida-the spring training home of his favorite team, the Phillies.

Visitation will be on Monday, January 10, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the in-person funeral service will be limited to family only. All are invited to attend virtually through a zoom link at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11 Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84211936271?pwd=NXViZ2VwRFI1NmxwRjZKNFNtMG5RQT09

Meeting ID: 842 1193 6271
Passcode: 859989

Burial in Verbank Cemetery, Verbank, NY will be in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be given to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or any charity of your choice.

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II need to let you know how wonderful your father was to us and for us when our daughter was murdered by her husband. He was always there for us and her two sons, 8 & 12 years old. God Bless him and I know exactly where he is. I spoke to him about two weeks before he passed. He was already at his son,s. I believe he said it was David,s. We last saw him a year ago last summer in Pine Island. My prayer for him was that he did not suffer. God bless your family.

Janette Purdy
1/11/2022

John, Ken & David Babysat for you all when you lived in Rowayton. Your father was an important part of my teen years. He would often tell me to be of good cheer. The world has lost a great man. Prayers & thoughts go out to you and yours.

Patty Panasuk
1/10/2022

Reverend Ryley was a role model to me during those difficult teen years. Although I was a member of a church in Fishkill, I attended his youth group at his church in Beacon. It was a safe place where we all felt welcome. I remember him as a kind and gentle man, who taught us about acceptance and compassion. Many years later, I reached out to him to see if he would be willing to officiate at my wedding. I was hoping he would be a part of that very important day in our lives, and I was so happy when he agreed. My heartfelt condolences.

Heidi Schallenberg Sweeney
1/10/2022

Dick was a bright light in this world and a dear friend. Our lives were richer having known him. May his family find comfort in their memories knowing he spoke of them with abiding love. A donation has been made in his name to the Mission Fund, Skycrest United Methodist Clearwater, FL LWe

Richard & Myrtie Dickey
1/8/2022

Dick was like a father to me. He was a friend, a guide and a mentor. I adored him and loved his stories, his jokes and his compassion. He guided me through so many difficult and joyous times in my life. Rest In Peace good and faithful servant! GHCLC

Donna King
1/7/2022

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Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated . Your services to George and our family were above and beyond our expectations. Thank you never seems sufficient when the situation appears and is often overwhelming. Your concern for us and our guests will never be forgotten.

... throughout these back to back losses, your gracious concern and professionalism made the time special.

.. not only are you the best - but the town / village of Warwick respects you very much. All with good reason.

I just wanted to thank you and your staff for making Mom’s Memorial Service a success. We appreciate your professionalism and attention to detail.

I believe Mom would have been very pleased with the whole production. Thanks again for making Mom’s day a special memory for our family and friends.