Richard Joseph Ryan (85) of Florence, SC, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet Ryan, of Florence and his three children Philip Ryan of Huntsville, TX, Kathy Lewis of Florence, SC, and Mark Ryan of Titusville, FL. He was predeceased by two daughters, Donna Ann Ryan and Mary Ellen Ryan. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Richard was born in Pittsfield, MA. He was an Eagle Scout and a Boy Scout leader for several years. Richard joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and served for two years. After his discharge he married Janet Agar, also of Pittsfield, MA. He worked briefly at GE and for the City of Pittsfield before embarking on his 30-year career with IBM. He was a Quality Engineer working on all of the Apollo moon missions and Skylab at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL and at the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, FL. After 30 years of dedicated service, Richard and Janet retired to DeLand, FL. He spent many years in DeLand devoting his time and energies to numerous Knights of Columbus projects at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Twenty-five years ago he initiated an effort to open St. Peter's annual Oktoberfest for one morning to the special needs children in the DeLand area. This year over 500 children, teachers, and chaperones spent the morning having fun at the festival. In 2005, Richard and Janet moved to Florence, SC to be closer to family. Richard turned his energies to the Wreaths Across America project at the Florence National Cemetery. In December of 2009, Richard, as ranking Eagle Scout, presented the ceremonial flag to a former WWII POW at the Wreaths Across America ceremony in Florence. He will be loved and missed by all who were touched by his life. The family will be receiving guests at Cain Funeral Home on Sunday, November 3rd from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Praying of the Rosary will begin at 6:30 PM followed by a vigil service at 7:00 PM. The funeral mass will be Monday, November 4th at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Florence. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer Foundation of America to assist patients like the love his life of 65 years, his wife Janet and our mother.