“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.”

Joseph Glennon Ryan

On February 26th, 2020, one of the greatest men we’ve ever known left his body and is now reunited with the love of his life. Joseph Glennon Ryan, fondly known as Glenn by many, was born on January 14th, 1933. After 87 well lived and well loved years, he is now at peace and can watch over those he loved from above with his wife and our mother by his side.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Cornelius Ryan, his dear brother Thomas J. Ryan and his beloved wife Frances Ryan.

Glenn is survived by his daughters Ann Brobbel and Mary Ryan, son-in-law Simon Brobbel, grandchildren Ellie and Ryan Brobbel and sister-in-law Jean Ryan. He was uncle, family and friend to many people who will always remember him.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers, social workers and staff at Bethesda Southgate where he resided for over the past two years. So many of them became a second family to us and treated Dad like their own family member.

Loving. Loyal. Caring. Devoted. Compassionate. Stoic. Humble. Supportive. These are just a few words that can describe the man who helped shape us into the people we are today. His quiet nature may have seemed a contradiction to his unwavering devotion and protectiveness towards those he loved, but he showed us every day the truly wonderful man and father he was.

Glenn was an avid hockey and St. Louis Blues fan. He could spend hours watching his favorite TV shows, sports and listening to music. He had a soft spot for dogs and loved when we brought Clover up to see him at the nursing home. He was a dedicated Catholic and a member of the St. Margaret Mary Alacoque parish. One of his proudest moments was becoming “Papa” and loving on his grandchildren Ellie and Ryan.

We are extremely blessed and lucky to have had him in our lives. His influence and love will leave a lasting impression in our hearts and forever serve as an example of the type of person we want to be. As Harlan Coben said, “This is the price you pay for having a great father. You get the wonder, the joy, the tender moments – and you get the tears at the end, too.” We know each tear and each memory is just an indication of how much he was loved.

Dad, we love you and Mom forever. Give her the biggest hug and kiss and be at peace with each other once again. We had the greatest parents we ever could have hoped for and that is a love we will feel in our hearts always.

Arrangements

There will be a Memorial Mass for Glenn at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (4900 Ringer Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129) at 10:00am on Thursday, March 5th. He will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks at 12:30pm on Thursday, March 5th with military honors. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The family will also be holding a Celebration of Life for Glenn on Sunday, March 8th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at his daughter Ann’s house. All who knew Glenn are welcome, and we hope to see many there. Feel free to wear hockey or St. Louis Blues gear if you have any. Please email Mary (hazelnut8135@gmail.com) for location information.

In lieu of flowers, Glenn would have loved for someone to attend or watch a St. Louis Blues game this season in his honor. He instilled a love of the game in many people and he would be happy to see that tradition continue.