Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Joseph P. Ryan, age 84, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025.
Joe was born on March 17, 1941, in Lowell, MA, the cherished son of the late Joseph and Kathryne (Castles) Ryan. He was raised in Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School with the Class of 1958.
Joe met the love of his life, Irene Saxones, at a local pharmacy in Lowell where his mother worked. With a little help from Kathryne, a conversation turned into a lifelong love, and in 1967 Joe and Irene were married at St. Margaret’s Church. The couple settled in Hathaway Acres in Wilmington, where they built a warm and loving home for their two children, James and Valerie.
On September 22, 1963, Joe enlisted in the Army National Guard. He proudly served his country for six years, receiving his honorable discharge on September 21, 1969.
A gifted barber with a warm personality, Joe opened his own barbershop in the center of Wilmington in 1962. He loved his work, his customers, and the daily conversations that filled his shop. Joe never retired—he remained dedicated to his craft and to his loyal “regulars,” cutting hair until the time of his passing. In the 1970s, Joe also worked a second job with Sweetheart Plastics, where he made many lifelong friends.
At the age of forty, Joe discovered a passion for running. Through hard work and determination, he became an accomplished runner and proudly completed two Boston Marathons.
Joe enjoyed spending time outdoors, tending to his yard and gardens. He was an avid New England sports fan who especially loved watching the Patriots and the Red Sox, and he held a special admiration for Ted Williams. Joe also enjoyed following the excitement of the Indy 500.
Joe was the beloved husband of the late Irene (Saxones) Ryan, the devoted father of Valerie Riccio and her husband Dan of Tewksbury, and James Ryan of Wilmington. He was the dear brother of Eleanore McCormack of Nashua, NH, and the late Kathryne Sawtelle and Martha Frazier. He was the loving brother-in-law of Joan Gormley and her late husband Christopher of Dracut. Joe is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, December 15th, from 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., immediately followed by a Funeral Service with Military Honors at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
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