Thomas Francis Ryan
November 28, 1949 – February 20, 2021
Thomas Francis Ryan, age 71, passed away on February 20th. He is survived by wife, Lavonne J. Ryan; sons, Sean T. Ryan (Erin) and Richard J. Dorfmeyer (Jennifer); daughter, Shannon M. Stamper (David); grandchildren: Quillan Stamper and Cole and Bailey Dorfmeyer; sister, Mary Gibilisco.
VISITATION following CDC Guidelines: Monday, March 1st from 9:30am-10:30 am at St. Wenceslaus Church Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10:30 am. Graveside Service: Monday, 2pm, Omaha National Cemetery with Military Honors by Benson VFW Post 2503.
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Thomas Francis Ryan was born on November 28, 1949 in Omaha to Francis and Marie Ryan. He spent most of his childhood being raised in “South Omaha” where he attended Ryan High.
Tom enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps on December 27, 1967, where he served our country until being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on June 1, 1971. He was stationed in Hawaii.
Tom married LaVonne Christensen on February 3, 1984 and settled in Waterloo, Nebraska, within the Riverside Lakes community, where they started their family and lived for thirty-four years. Tom was an entrepreneur at heart and spent most of his working years managing his business, Label Concepts.
Tom was the life of the party and was known as Mr. Irish in the community. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and had a love for all things entailed to Saint Patrick’s Day. He loved cheering on his children: Shannon, during one of her many Irish dancing performances, and Sean, while organizing a yearly Shamrock Run to marching in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Tom was one-of-a-kind who enjoyed drinking a pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson while singing his rebel songs. He also enjoyed his time contributing to others through his work with the Madonna School.
Tom loved the outdoors, snowmobiling, boating, and traveling in his RV. He never missed out on an adventure and lived life large. He loved his family and friends more than anything else and will be missed dearly.
17 Comments
Sorry for your loss. God rest Tom’s soul.
God Bless
So sorry to hear this news! St Patrick’s Day won’t be the same without hearing Tom destroy a rebel song. Tom, you were a good friend and loyal son of Ireland. You were a great ally and supporter of ours in NORAID during the troubles We were not always welcome everywhere., so it was nice to know we could always count on you. We’re forever grateful. Tiocfaidh ár lá ! Slán abhaile my friend!
I know for a fact that Mike talked to Tom within the last few weeks. This is just another part of getting old. In your mind you still think like a much younger person. Your body may tell you a different story. Condolences isn’t what we feel. We feel like we’ve last a big piece of our life. Frannie O’Neill
Thinking of you all and praying for comfort during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up w Tom and always enjoyed running into him during St. Patrick’s day celebrations. He was one of the good ones.
My heart goes out to all of you. Let the good times cheer you when needed & the memories sustain you. Love, Mary & Frank
“There are some people that come into our lives and quickly go.
Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our heart.
And we are never, ever the same again” I feel your footprint on my heart Tom, and feel blessed to having known you in my lifetime. RIP on your next journey! “Ditty”
Tom Ryan was the life of the party for sure. He always knew for to throw a good party. The lake was the spot in the summer. I will always hold those memories of the lake close to my heart. His smile was contagious and his laugh rough through a party. Hibernian brother of mine and a father figure who you can look up to. Thanks for the great times buddy. Love you Tom.
Aloha
Mike and I are sadden to hear about Tom’s passing. We all enjoyed many wonderful Memories with our families through our Irish Heritage and will cherish our times together. Especially in song and laughter! God Bless Tom Ryan and His Family sending prayers and Hugs. Love Mike & Linda McGuire
Lavonne and family, I want you to know that I am with you in thought and wish you and the family comfort and peace.
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. I had the opportunity of growing up with Tom In South Omaha. We went to St Mary’s together along with his sister Mary. I had the last seen him at a grocery store in Elkhorn. We had a nice talk of our past and present lives. He was a very kind person.He does leave a footprint that is for sure. May he rest in peace.
The Omaha Ski Club mourns the loss of Tom. He was an active member during the late 70’s and early 80’s. When Tom captained a ski club trip to Colorado, members would flock to his trip. We always knew Tom’s trips would be wild and fun., fitting to Tom’s personality.
So very sorry to hear of Toms passing. We went thru St. Mary’s grade school 1st-8th grade on 36th & Q, lost contact when we went to different high schools. I then ran across Tom in Calif., he was at El Toro Marine Air Station, & me at Camp Pendelton, we spent a few days together. A year or two later we met once again in Hawaii, Kaneohe Marine Air Station. I had just been released from Trippler Army Hospital & assigned to First Force Recon Company. We had a good time there & I have fond memories of our time there. SEMPER FI MARINE, RIP.
Sean, Shannon, Maggie, and Mary and families, I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s death. I will remember him and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
LaVonne and family, sorry to hear of Tom’s death. Tom was a wonderful person and I have many fond memories of Tom, you are all in our prayers
Sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. Great memories of riding snowmobiles on the lake back in the late 70’s. Could always count on him for a good time. Rest in peace cousin.
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