Mr. Charles D. "Charlie" Ryan

Charles D. Ryan HAMPTON, NH - Charles D. “Charlie” Ryan, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Hampton, NH on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Charlie was born in Lowell on March 15, 1943, the son of the late David and Bertha (Breault) Ryan. He grew up in the Sacred Heart Parish, attended Lowell schools, and was a 1960 graduate of Lowell High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State College and later received his Master’s degree in Administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Charlie devoted his professional life to education, coaching, and mentorship. He taught Physical Education at the Daley Junior High School in Lowell, served as Chairman of the Health and Physical Education Department, and later became Athletic Director at Lowell High School. He was best known for his 14 years as Head Coach of the Lowell High School Basketball Team from 1975–1989. His Lowell teams were among the state’s best and became known as “Ryan’s Running Red Raiders.” His teams qualified for the state tournament each year, won many MVC Championships, and in 1988 played at the Boston Garden before more than 10,000 fans. Charlie was inducted into the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001 and was a two-time Boston Globe Division 1 Coach of the Year. Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Charlie will be remembered most for the way he made people feel. He had an incredible zest for life, a big and generous heart, and a deep love for his family and friends. He was always the life of the party and enjoyed living by the beach, listening to Jimmy Buffett and traveling. Always ready with a story, a laugh, or a warm welcome, he always knew how to make people smile. He was extremely proud of his family, deeply loyal to his friends, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Charlie was predeceased by his son Kevin M. Ryan in 2021. He is survived by his son Sean P. Ryan and his wife Liz; his grandchildren Max Ryan and Layla Ryan, all of Melrose; his sister Mary Ryan Karalekas and her husband Peter of Kittery, ME; and his former wife Janice Ryan. He was also the longtime companion of the late Jeanie Hayes. Charlie will be remembered as a loving father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, devoted teacher, coach, and mentor and as someone who brought happiness into the lives of everyone who knew him. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND CHARLIE’S CALLING HOURS ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026, FROM 10 AM UNTIL 12 NOON AT THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL. CHARLIE’S FUNERAL SERVICE WILL FOLLOW AT 12 NOON IN THE FUNERAL HOME. HIS BURIAL WILL TAKE PLACE PRIVATELY WITH HIS FAMILY. AS AN EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY DONATIONS IN CHARLIE’S MEMORY MAY BE MADE TO UNITED CERBRAL PALSY OF METRO BOSTON, 71 ARESENAL STREET, WATERTOWN, MA 02472 or www.ucpboston.org ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com

Mr. Charles D. "Charlie" Ryan

March 15, 1943 - January 11, 2026