Retired Chicago police veteran Thomas F. “Red” Ryan, 75, came from a family of 12–a close-knit bunch in which everyone made it a point to look out for the others.
For the last two years, as Ryan’s sister Theresa was suffering from lung cancer, her brothers and sisters visited her daily, cooking meals and cleaning her home. And Thomas Ryan was there twice a week, doing his part.
But on Thanksgiving Day, Theresa Ryan, 64, died of the cancer that had racked her body. Less than two hours later, Thomas Ryan, of Indian Head Park, died of a brain tumor.
“This wasn’t an accident. I think it happened for a reason,” said Anastasia Schuch, one of the Ryan sisters. “I’m not sure why, but I think there was some higher reason.”
Thomas Ryan, who had been unconscious for about two weeks after undergoing brain surgery, never knew that his sister had passed away. “Maybe it was best that way,” Schuch said.
A retired World War II veteran, Mr. Ryan served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, where he fought in the Battle of Normandy.
A Chicago native, he returned from the service and landed a job with the Chicago Police Department in 1946. He retired in 1986 as a lieutenant.
Theresa Ryan, the youngest of the nine Ryan girls, operated her own secretarial and answering service, headquartered in the Loop. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Cherry; three sisters; and a brother.
In addition to his siblings, Thomas Ryan is survived by three sons, Joseph, Thomas and Michael; and three grandchildren.
Visitation for Mr. Ryan will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday in McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Gerald Catholic Church, 9349 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.
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Services for his sister were pending.