Thomas F. Ryan
August 6, 1943 – February 3, 2023
Thomas F. Ryan, age 79, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 3, 2023.
Survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Patricia (Chleborad); children, James and Jennifer Opocensky (Mike); grandchildren Kifton, Treyton and Melaynee; great-grandson Felix; siblings Kevin Ryan (Donna), Buckeye, AZ, and Mary Novotny (Tim), Wellington, CO; sister-in-law Sharon Shannon (Bill), Emmett, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Beatrice Ryan, brothers Michael and Rev. Steven, and sister Mona.
Tom was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on August 6, 1943. He grew up in Salem, South Dakota, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School there. After receiving his Master’s Degree from the Municipal University of Omaha, he served as a college administrator in the Audio-Visual Department of the University of Nebraska- Omaha for 35 years.
Tom enjoyed spending time and playing games with his grandchildren and logged many miles chauffeuring them to their activities. A charter member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Tom had a green thumb, was a prolific reader, enjoyed playing board games and dominoes with the neighbors, and he was a loyal fan of Notre Dame and Nebraska football.
A kind and loving person, Tom was a generous caregiver to all his family and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family.
VISITATION: Tuesday, February 7th, 5pm, with 7pm VIGIL, at West Center Chapel.
FUNERAL: Wednesday, February 8th, 10:30am, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 5419 N. 114th St.
To view the live broadcast of the service go to www.HeafeyHeafey.com and click the “view Livecast” button.
2 Comments
My most heartfelt condolences to all of Toms’ family. He was a gem of a man. I know he will be missed. May he rest in peace. 🙏🏻
I worked for Tom in the 1970s during my student days at UNO. He was such a kind and thoughtful person and a very fair and fair supervisor. He crossed my mind recently and I was sad to find his obituary when I searched for him. I owe him a debt of gratitude for being considerate and generous at a time when I was in need of a job and of kindness and understanding. I’m sure he occupies a special place in heaven. Thank you, Tom. Scott Barry
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