Dwight K. Ryan

Dwight K Ryan aka “papa, murph, dusty was born August 4th 1943, He” Passed away October 18th, 2024, at his home with his family in Huntley. 

He was born and raised in Chicago’s north side and worked downtown until he retired. Papa loved taking the train and meeting new people, telling stories. He would often go back after retirement just to say hello to everyone there and do the same at the Whistle Stop Café. Papa was very proud of his sobriety for over twenty years and was very active in AA until his dementia took over. 

He will be remembered as one of the most outgoing and generous men you could meet. He was a simple man that was only motivated by helping others. He would give his last dollar if someone needed it more. His circle was small but there is nothing he wouldn’t do to put a smile on their face every moment he was around. John Rossi and Robert “Bobby” Wood His longest and dearest friends he loved like family.  

Papa loved being a father and grandfather most of all. He retired just to spend more time with his grandson and didn’t miss a beat. Attending every sporting event, he would mingle with all the parents and grandparents. He loved taking Brayden and his buddies to Mega Trampoline, the park, or movies he was always up for anything if it meant spoiling Brayden. 

Papa was excited when his son in law came into our family with two youngsters and got to be a bonus papa to Vinny and Carlee Pecoraro. They didn’t get to meet him until his illness took over, but he often loved to tease and joke around with them too. 

His favorite holiday was Christmas when he would often find someone he could help and make sure there were presents for the kids under the tree. He also loved singing along to all the Christmas carols we would often find him just gazing at the tree. Thrift store shopping was one of his favorite hobbies. He would beam of excitement when he found the perfect movie or flannel shirt. 

Some call him a guardian angel here on earth, some call him friend or family but no matter what his gentle, caring loving empathetic footprints were left behind for eternity. 

He was preceded in death by his Father James Dennis Ryan, Mother Stella E Ryan, Sister Corrine Pearl Ryan and Aunt Alma Staerzl. Survived by his daughter Amber Pecoraro son in law Frank Pecoraro and grandsons Brayden Wollenberg, Vinny Pecoraro and Granddaughter Carlee Pecoraro.

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