Stephen Ryan

On Saturday November 26, Stephen Ryan of Skaneateles NY, died suddenly after an emergency abdominal surgery at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. He was just a month shy of 76. Steve was a well know watercolor artist in Central NY and was the son of George and Mary (Markert) Ryan of Syracuse NY. He is survived by his wife Lucinda (Lakins) Ryan, daughter Ryseana Lynch of Fairport NY and Brother John of Rhode Island. 

Steve was a great conversationalist, ready to talk at any time about a variety of topics, never shy of humor. He enjoyed following College Sports and social gatherings. In earlier times he biked in the good weather and skied in the winters. 

Steve was born and raised on the western edge of the City of Syracuse in the “Strathmore” section. He attended Most Holy Rosary elementary school and was a 1965 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in Dewitt. He graduated from and Niagara University in 1969 and later he took a Masters in Fine Arts at Syracuse University. He and his wife finally settled in Skaneateles.

An award-winning and commission artist in several mediums, Steve also made a professional career in marketing and graphic arts. He was the Art Director for Bristol Laboratories for many years and then worked with several other advertising agencies and had his own advertising company. He also was on the board of Directors of The Central New York Watercolor Society as well as being an annual judge for The Scholastic Arts Awards and the New York State Fair Art Show. 

After 32 years in advertising and art, Steve started a second career, sharing his knowledge, experience and approach to beginning graphic artists as an adjunct professor at SUNY OCC where he specialized in Computer Art and Advertising Design for 18 years before finally retiring. He was a very loved teacher due to his passion and interests in his students.

Steve also loved music, particularly the popular songs of the 60s. He organized a rock band, the “Tweed Ring”, while in college and preformed regularly. In retirement, he returned to the guitar for a while, playing with a former band member.

Most of all, Steve loved family. His wife Lucinda of 22 years, who he met and fell in love with in high school, but did not marry until 2000. His daughter Ryseana (Shawn) and grandchildren Emma and Lucas; his daughter’s mother Karen Ryan; his brother John (Diane) and their children Darcy, Kendra (Adam) and John Ross; great niece Violet and nephew Oscar; and also many cousins on the very dear Markert and Ryan sides. Now Steve joins his parents, their siblings and some of their children in eternity where all pain and disappointment is replaced with joy.

The family will be planning a Celebration of Life for the better weather. In lieu of flowers, the family request you consider a contribution to a charity of your choosing, perhaps educational or in the arts. The family also thanks all who have enjoyed Steve and have shared their thoughts or are just reading this and remembering him.

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