Robert Thomas Ryan, “Bob,” 63, of Durham, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly in a tragic motorcycle accident while in South Dakota attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally—doing exactly what he loved: riding, exploring, and chasing an adventure.

Born in Meriden, Connecticut, Bob spent his entire life in Durham, a place he proudly called home. He was a man who could truly do it all—a jack of all trades and a master of many. There was seemingly nothing Bob couldn’t figure out. Whether it was cutting down enormous trees, splitting wood, gardening, building and maintaining his beloved front yard, cooking a meal, or tackling a project no one else knew how to fix, Bob always had a way. He would tell you there was always a better way to do something—and, of course, he had a story to explain exactly why. And yet, for all the things Bob could do, there was one thing that consistently defeated him: his iPhone.

Bob was fiercely hardworking, driven, adventurous, and wild-spirited. He had a deep love for nature and animals and found some of his greatest happiness in the simple things: cutting trees, crabbing, working in the garden, and being outside. He loved to cook and took particular pride in his famous artichokes.

A lifelong ironworker, Bob took tremendous pride in his work and loved sharing stories from his years on the job. A simple car ride could turn into a history lesson as he pointed out every bridge he had worked on, every job site, and every unforgettable thing that happened along the way. He would famously remind you, “I grew up on a farm,” usually right before explaining why his way of doing something was better.

Bob was a natural storyteller. His adventures were often thrilling, sometimes questionable, and always entertaining. He had a way of finding the fun in everything and could turn almost any experience into a story—usually one that ended with a valuable lesson about what not to do. He lived life with curiosity, humor, and a willingness to take the road less traveled.

While Bob loved many things, nothing gave him greater pride than watching his son, Logan, play sports and succeed—not only on the field, but in life. His children were at the heart of his world, and some of his happiest memories were made simply being together.

Bob was not particularly fond of holidays, but there was one event he looked forward to every year: the Durham Fair. He loved spending the day with his children, watching the tractor and truck pulls, listening to the concerts, walking through the cow barns, and, most of all, admiring the antique farm equipment. It was one of the places where Bob was happiest—surrounded by the people and things he loved.

Perhaps what people will remember most about Bob was his heart. He was the kind of person who would help someone through the hardest of times, even when he had very little himself. He would take shirt off his back if someone needed it and never hesitated to lend a hand, solve a problem, or show up for someone who needed him.

Bob leaves behind a lifetime of stories, lessons, laughter, adventures, and memories that will be carried by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

He is survived by his stepmother, Barbara Ryan; stepfather, Doug Stender and his wife Bonnie; brothers Anthony Ferraiolo and his wife Kimberly, and Michael Ferraiolo and his wife Wendy; Ex-wife/friend Dana Ryan, daughter Amber Ryan her husband Jeremey Maliga; son Logan Ryan; nephews Anthony Jr., Michael Jr., and Lucian Ferraiolo; nieces Lexi and Leah Ferraiolo; and his beloved grandpup, Daisy—his best friend and constant companion.

He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Ryan and Dominica Stender (Bova), and his lifelong partner, Jessica Pulk.

Bob lived a life that was hardworking, adventurous, generous, sometimes unconventional, and completely his own. He left his mark on the people he loved, the places he worked, the things he built, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

He would probably tell us not to make too big a fuss—but those who knew Bob know there is no way to say goodbye to a man like him without a good story, a few laughs, and a whole lot of love.

Church services will be held Saturday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, Connecticut. Burial will follow at Mica Hill Cemetery in Durham, Connecticut. A celebration of Bob’s life will follow at K-Club 168 Main Street, Rockfall, Connecticut.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFD.com.