Gerard R. "Gerry" Ryan

Gerard R. “Gerry” Ryan, age 76, a longtime resident of Westford, passed away peacefully at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln on Thursday, January 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Dawn G. (Hardacker) Ryan, with whom he shared 28 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Malden on August 31, 1949, Gerry was the son of the late Francis and Narretta E. (Myatt) Ryan.

Raised in Lexington, he graduated from Lexington High School and served in the Air Force. Gerry was a dedicated employee of Verizon and Fujitsu for many years and, in retirement, enjoyed working for JC Madigan Truck Equipment. His favorite pastime was spending summers at Long Lake in Harrison, Maine, with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Gerry is survived by his four children: Christina Martel and her husband Jerry of Tewksbury, Gerard P. Ryan of Medford, Brian Kelly and his wife Nicole of Chelmsford, and Erin Capozzi and her husband Michael of Littleton. He was the proud "Papa" to nine grandchildren—Timothy Martel and his wife Jennifer, Jacob Martel, Haylie Martel, Mackenzie Ryan, Abigail and Caroline Capozzi, and Jordan and Natalie Kelly—as well as three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his brother, Francis Ryan of Merrimack, NH.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St., Littleton. Those attending are kindly asked to gather directly at the church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gerry’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.