- Date Of Birth: April 19, 1926
- Date Of Death: November 20, 2021
- State: Arizona
Walter H. Ryan, Jr. (Lefty) passed away peacefully at his home in Alameda, California on November 20, 2021.
Walt is survived by his wife of 69 years Marjorie and daughter Pattie DiFraia , sons Danny and Michael Ryan, son in law Chris DiFraia, daughters in law Yvette Ryan, Laurie Santos and Sheila Ryan, his grandchildren Nick and Megan DiFraia and great grandsons James and Conner Linde. He is further survived by sisters in law, MaryAnn DeMerritt (husband Gary) and Felicia Rankin, goddaughter Julia Royals and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Walter Henry Ryan, Sr and Florence Ryan, brother Harold Ryan, sister Betty Lanfri, son James Ryan and brother-in-law Lucien (Skip) Rankin.
Walt was born on April 19, 1926 in old Fabiola Hospital in Oakland and, after three days, was moved to Alameda, California his home for the remainder of his 95 years. He attended old Mastick and Washington grade schools followed by Alameda High from which he proudly graduated in 1944 after only three and a half years. During these early years, he was a traffic boy and sold magazines near the old Del Monte Warehouse railroad tracks. Shortly thereafter, he entered the draft at the age of 18. He fought for our country in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was called to duty in June 1944.
Walt loved traveling with Marge and was especially happy whenever that travel involved around a cruise ship. Walt was an avid Oakland Raider’s fan and for a time had season tickets with his sons. For a number of years he portrayed “Big Red”, a dolly in the Lincoln School Dad’s Follies, participated in an Alameda Hospital bowling team, played softball on a local senior team, drove for Meals on Wheels, volunteered at Mastick Senior Center and was the most requested ‘Santa’ for the AARP Christmas parties. He loved being the center of attention and entertaining friends and family. Walt was a gifted artist and loved painting his families’ home windows at Christmas time with images of Disney characters. Walt was always willing to boast that he was a lifelong Alameda resident.
“I’m proud to have grown up on this beautiful island and I have no plans on leaving – God willing.”
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Harold Orr and Nurse Elaine from Anchor Hospice as well as his full time caregiver, Guilbert for the compassion they provided that enabled Walt to remain in his home.
