HR0581 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0581 LRB104 16687 ECR 30091 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Connecticut State Representative Kevin Ryan, who passed away on November 23, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Ryan, the son of Joseph P. Ryan and Hazel Claire (McGuane) Ryan, was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on August 1, 1952; he graduated from St. Bernard's High School; he received a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Villanova University, a Doctorate in Optometry and a certificate in Public Health from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, where he later served on the Board of Trustees; he also held a Master of Arts in Community Psychology from the University of New Haven; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Ryan worked part-time at the Connecticut Visual Health Center in Bridgeport early in his career while also contributing to his family business, Uncas Foods, Inc; he started serving as an adjunct faculty member teaching physics at the University of New Haven in 1980; he later worked for Mobile Medical Testing Service, now known as Exemplar Health Services, until 2003; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Ryan's commitment to public service defined much of his life; he served on the Montville Board of Education, including as chairman for six years and as secretary for one year; he was then elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing the 139th legislative district, in 1992, serving for 32 years; during his tenure, he served as co-chairman of the Labor and Public Employees Committee for eight years, and, most recently, he held the role of assistant deputy speaker pro tempore of the Connecticut House of Representatives; he was the consummate statesman and worked tirelessly to help his constituents; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Ryan was deeply engaged on a national level with legislative and leadership organizations; he had served as the president and treasurer of the National Conference of Legislators from Gaming States and treasurer of the Summit of Rural and Agricultural Leaders, and he was recently elected national chair of the Council of State Governments; he attended the Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy and was a Tolls Fellow; he also served as a member of the Agriculture Task Force and on the Executive Committee representing the Council of State Governments (CSG) Eastern Regional Conference (ECR) with the National Council of State Legislatures; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Ryan was equally devoted to community organizations; he was a member of Rotary International, the Elks, and the Knights of Columbus; he served as a past chair of the Montville Democratic Town Committee, as a Justice of the Peace, and as president of the Board for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeastern Connecticut; he also contributed his time to the Alliance for Living Board of Directors, the Eastern Connecticut Cable TV Advisory Board, and as chair of the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Ryan was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Joseph, Richard, William, and Carol; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Ryan is survived by his cousins, Martha McGuane, Thomas McGuane, George McGuane, Mark McGuane, and John McGuane; his godson, Mackenzie Caron; and many friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Kevin Ryan and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Kevin Ryan as an expression of our deepest sympathy.