Ryan Thomas Healy, 44, of Little Rock, Ark.
Ryan Thomas Healy, 44, of Little Rock, Ark., formerly of Port Ewen, N.Y., died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, May 12, 2019. Ryan was born in Kingston, N.Y., and will be remembered as a loving brother, son, uncle, and dedicated member of the law enforcement community.
Ryan had served with pride as a member of the State Capitol Police Department of Arkansas, Maumelle Police Department, officer of the Little Rock City Court and most recently as Security Manager for Oaklawn Racing and Casino. Among his career highlights were receiving the Officer of The Year award in Maumelle in 2008 and the pride he took in keeping those around him safe.
Ryan was a 1992 graduate of Kingston High School. Growing up in Port Ewen, Ryan was an avid hockey player, snowboarder, and BMX racer. At the height of Ryan’s BMX career, he reached number three nationally in his age group. Ryan was also one of the first members of the Kingston High School Hockey team, where he took pride in being a protector for his teammates and younger brother. Later in life, Ryan would spend time volunteering to coach the Arkansas Junior Glaciercats youth hockey team.
Above all else, Ryan will be remembered as a caring friend, loyal brother, and loving son, whose larger than life personality could light up any room. Ryan was the consummate teammate, whether it was on the ice, on patrol for the police, or with his new team at Oaklawn. There is not one person he touched in this world that he did not make smile. His quick wit and sense of humor were legendary.
Outside of family and friends, Ryan’s greatest joy could be found with his love for his Labrador retrievers. He named his dogs after mafia movies, and referred to them lovingly as “The Dogfather.” For most of his adult life, Ryan could be found with his beloved dog Cross by his side, and more recently, Dominic. We take comfort knowing that Ryan has been reunited with his beloved Cross.
Ryan is survived by his mother, Margaret Healy of Little Rock, Ark.; his father and stepmother, Joseph and Ruth Healy of Little Rock, Ark.; his brother and sister-in law, Timothy and Mary-Ellen Healy of Raleigh, N.C.; as well as his beloved nieces, Meredith and Bridget; and his half-brother and sister inlaw, Bryan Healy and Lori Healy of Plainfield, N.J.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham, Little Rock, Ark. A celebration of life will be held at Ocean’s at Arthurs on Thursday, May 16, 2019, from noon to 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held in Kingston, N.Y., on a later date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in his honor to Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals (CARE) at www.careforanimals. org.
On Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on the courage, dedication and loyalty of our nation’s fallen, military Veterans. Throughout history, their hard work and sacrifice have kept us safe and protected our freedom. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, and we salute them for their service and sacrifice. To all of the brave men and women who have sacrificed to put their country first, we thank you. Honor your family and friends who died serving our Country by sending us their information along with their photograph to be featured in our special Salute to our Hometown Heroes page this Memorial Day.
Please return the form below along with a photo by Wednesday, May 15, 2019 to: Attn: Memorial Day Salute, Daily Freeman, 79 Hurley Ave., Kingston, NY 12401