John Fredrick Ryan

John F Ryan passed away peacefully at his home Friday June 14th following a brief illness. He was born in Bennington on August 24, 1941, attended local schools, and graduated from Bennington Catholic HS. In June of 1971 he married the love of his life, Ann (Green), of North Bennington. They spent nearly 50 years together traveling summers to lake George and visiting family until Ann’s passing in April of 2021. John was the son of the late John J Ryan and the late Charlotte (Noon) Ryan both of Bennington. He was a longtime employee of Bijur Corp of Bennington where he held key leadership roles with the union. He loved working on cars, and as a young man in the 1960s John built and raced Stock cars at Lebanon Valley Speedway. He also was an active member of the Rod & Club, where he enjoyed target shooting. In his retirement John acquired a passion for model railroading, and built an amazing replica of the rail system of the Bennington/Pownal area in his basement. He took great enjoyment from his membership in the local model railroad club where he spent many hours with friends building and operating layouts. John had a lifelong love of music, especially 50’s rock and roll, and assembled an extensive music collection. Late in years, he even mounted a valiant effort to learn the electric guitar, which he enjoyed greatly. He was an avid sports fan who never missed watching his favorite NY teams play. He famously loved discussing games with the mailman, friends and neighbors. John is survived by his three stepchildren, Amy (Knapp) Sullivan & partner Rick, Herb Knapp & wife Madeline, Connie Knapp & wife Bernadette; four grandchildren, Lauren Zelanko & husband Caleb, Amanda Sullivan, Wesley Knapp and Sara Sanghera & husband Adam; one great granddaughter, Maya Zelanko; his sister-in-law, Nancy Lord and niece Karen Dean and many lifelong friends. John will be remembered for his feisty sense of humor and love of conversation. Family and friends will greatly miss spending time with him, listening to his stories, and sharing his many hobbies. There will be a private graveside service held at the convenience of the family at Park Lawn Cemetery.