Morton O’Ryan

MAYOR MORT O’RYAN age 84 died peacefully February 5, 2014 at Western Reserve Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband for 63 years of Florine “Flo” (nee Cicchella); loving father of Sherie Ragan (husband Walt) of MO, David (wife Dorothy, nee Morrell) of MI, Kathleen Mekesa (husband Vyto) of Highland Heights OH, Nancy of FL and the late Patricia Frantz; devoted grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 9; treasured son of the late William and Marjory (nee Bradford); cherished brother of John “Jack” (wife Beverly), William (wife Janet) and Catherine Gibbs Horning (husband Dick); favorite brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and godfather of many.

Mort was the Mayor of Willoughby Hills from 1995 to 2003 and a resident since 1962, after previously residing in Willoughby. He was a member of the Willoughby Hills Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Award; Willoughby Hills Community Days Committee for 25 years; Willoughby South Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters; the Willoughby Hills Veterans Memorial Committee; the Willoughby Hills Recreation Commission; City Council for 16 years; and was instrumental in the development and building of the Willoughby Hills Community Center. He also received the 2006 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Rotary Club of Willoughby. Mort was a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, where he played football and attended Fenn and Adelbert Colleges. He was the Vice President of Jergens Tool and Specialty Company. While Mort enjoyed his time serving the community of Willoughby Hills as well as gardening, growing roses, recording movies and listening to Big Band music, his children and grandchildren gave him the most enjoyment. His family will remember him as a strict, caring, giving, easy going man who had a great sense of humor.

Contributions may be made in Mort’s memory to the Mayor Mort O’Ryan Scholarship Fund Trust, c/o Kathleen Mekesa, 681 Bishop Rd., Highland Heights, OH 44143.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet for the Celebration of Life Service Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10 AM at Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church, 34201 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills 44094. Burial following at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Mort THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) MONDAY 1-4 and 5-8 PM. Willoughy Hills Lions Club Service 7:30 PM.