Matthew J. Ryan, 47, a lifelong resident of Haverhill, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston after being stricken ill suddenly at his home.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of James E. and Donna M. (Dupont) Ryan. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he attended Haverhill public schools and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, class of 1985.
A well-known and talented musician, Ryan first began playing guitar at a young age with the encouragement of his father, Jim. He, along with his father and uncles, Daniel and Anthony were local favorites to play out for annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Ryan was born with a beautiful voice and was a gifted guitarist, and loved to share it as a profession and for enjoyment. For many years he had gigs throughout the Merrimack Valley and seacoast. He met his lovely wife, Amy while playing at the Whale’s Tale Pub in Hampton Beach and so began many happy years together.
Ryan was a wonderful husband, loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of nine years, Amy K. (Chiefari) Ryan, and his two loving young boys, Luke J. Ryan and Jake P. Ryan, of Haverhill, his mother, Ms. Donna M. (Dupont) Ryan, of Bradford, his father, James E. Ryan and his wife, Rebecca, of Haverhill, a sister and brother in law, Maureen E. and William C. Early, of Bradford, grandfather, Joseph A. Dupont, of Haverhill, cherished nieces, Taylor R. Early, Sara M. Early, Sara I. Chiefari and Katie R. Chiefari, mother and father in law, James and Janet Chiefari, of Grafton, N.Y., and brothers in law, Phillip J. Chiefari and his wife, Amy, of Troy, N.Y., and Robert O. Chiefari and his wife, Maria, of Belleville, IL. He also leaves many cousins and friends that will miss him dearly. Matt was kind, gentle, and always brought a smile to everyone’s face.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to call on Sunday afternoon from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. (route 125) Haverhill. Funeral services and burial are private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Ryan Children’s Education Fund, c/o Pentucket Bank, 1 Merrimack St. Haverhill, MA 01830.