Charles W. Ryan

Kingston – Retired Waltham Police Lieutenant Charles W. "Charlie" Ryan, of Kingston, formerly of Waltham, died Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at his home following a period of declining health. He was 77.

Charlie was born in Waltham on March 8, 1943 and had been a lifelong resident before moving to Kingston. Following his graduation from Waltham High School he earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College.

During the Vietnam War he served with the United States Air Force.

In December, 1966 he was appointed a patrolman with the Waltham Police Department which was a job he loved and was well suited for. Charlie was not only street smart but he was also book smart . . . integrity, compassion and fairness were his constant companions during his time on the job. He became a sergeant and served in the detective bureau for a time before becoming a lieutenant and shift commander. His thirty-three year career also included the attainment of a master's degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College.

After his retirement he worked in private security.

Charlie would tell you that the best part of his life came on September 14, 1968 when he married his sweetheart, Waltham native Myrtle A. Crocker, in Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church following a six-month courtship. The pair made a wonderful couple and made Waltham their lifelong home before retiring to their summer place in Kingston.

As a kid he learned to play golf at Leo J. Martin in Weston and kept up his passion for the game throughout his life by partnering with his lifelong best friend, Frankie "two ball" . . . weekly outings to Butternut Farm Golf Club in Stow afforded them the chance to share an equal amount of laughs and putts.

Charlie was also a boating enthusiast and earned his boat pilot license from the Pequossette Power Squadron. He also belonged to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 953 in Waltham and the PFC John M. Sullivan, USMC Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 10334 in Waltham.

In retirement he enjoyed a slower pace and 'adventures in dining' with his bride . . . and any restaurant with great onion rings earned a five-star review in Charlie's book. He took great pride in taking care of his family and being a loving husband and a devoted father but the title that Charlie prized the most was being a proud 'Grandpa'.

In addition to his wife of fifty-one years, Myrtle, he leaves his children, Thomas M. Ryan of Salem, New Hampshire, Christopher C. Ryan and Matthew D. Ryan (Gerrilyn), all of Waltham; his grandchildren, Brayden, Keagan and Kristine Ryan; his sisters, Nancy K. Townsend (David) of Bridgton, Maine and Elna M. Benoit (Steve) of Rye, New Hampshire; his nephews and niece, Mark, Charlie, Cindy and John Townsend and his godchildren, Marjorie Anderson Lydon, Debbie Landry Cormier, Kevin Hill, Brianna Thompson and Jessica Jenkins.

Charlie was also the son of the late Christine (Cormier) (Ryan) Rebenack and Clifford Rebenack and the brother of the late Richard T. Ryan.

Charlie's immediate family will gather for a private funeral service at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19th in The Joyce Funeral Home, Waltham. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham. Others may view the service at that time by visiting http://distantlink.com/joyce.html

Memorial donations may be made to the Waltham Police Relief Association, P.O. Box 540056, Waltham, MA 02454-0056. www.thewpra.com