Sergeant Robert Randolph Ryan S-80
(1934-2023)
Bob was born February 12, 1934, in Cincinnati, to Thomas E. and Goldie C. Ryan, both of Tennessee. He attended Withrow High School, graduating in 1953.
While attending high school, Bob worked for Ulmer’s Sohio Service Station at 6389 Salem Pike. In March 1954 he began work as a carpenter’s helper at Lawrence E. Martin Builder. He continued until entering military service and after until September 1957.
On January 28, 1955, Bob joined the United States Coast Guard. He spent seven months as a Seaman Apprentice in the Engineering Division, then 17 months as a Fireman. Fireman Ryan was honorably discharged on January 28, 1957.
Bob joined the Cincinnati Police Division as a Police Recruit on September 9, 1957. He was promoted to Patrolman on January 6, 1958, issued Badge 325, and assigned to District 7 (813 Beecher Street). On February 22, 1959, he was rotated to District 2 (314 Broadway) and rotated again on November 29, 1959 to District 6 (3295 Erie Avenue). On February 27, 1966, he was one of the first group of men promoted to the new rank of Police Specialist, issued Badge PS-33, and assigned to the Youth Aid Unit for six months. Specialist Ryan returned to District 6.
On April 14, 1968, he was promoted to Sergeant, issued Badge S-80, and assigned to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive). On February 7, 1971, in order to combat a significant increase in burglaries, Sergeant Ryan was, on paper, transferred to the Criminal Investigation Section, but physically transferred to District 6 to coordinate the decentralized investigations of property crime. On April 4, 1971, he was physically transferred to Criminal Investigation Section (222 East Central Parkway). During December 1971, he was in charge of a pre-Christmas shoplifting detail in downtown stores. On June 10, 1973, the Division created a nine-man Auto Theft Squad and Sergeant Ryan was put in charge of it. By 1976, he was supervising the Major Case Unit. On January 30, 1977, the Major Case Unit was disbanded, and Sergeant Ryan returned to Erie Avenue, by then District 2. Sergeant Ryan retired August 2, 1986 with almost 31 years of service to his country and community and 18 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
Sergeant Ryan was diagnosed with COVID and developed pneumonia. He died Friday, October 27, 2023 at the age of 89.
He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Gayle Marlene (Karpe) Ryan; son, Robert Ryan Jr.; and siblings, Dorothy Dameron, Suzanne Hoyt, Shirley Ryan, and Ernest Ryan. Sergeant Ryan is survived by his children, Drew (Aimee) Ryan and Marci (John) Hadley; daughter-in-law, Lisa Ryan; and grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Evan, Anna, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Levi, and Judah Ryan and Thomas Hadley
Visitation will be held 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Parkside Christian Church, 6968 Salen Road, in Mt. Washington. And FOP service will be held at 2 p.m. A funeral service will follow.
Memorials may be made to The Christian Village of Mason, 411 Western Row Road, Mason, OH 45250.
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