Kenneth William Ryan, 91, of Merrimack, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25th. He was a longtime resident of Ravencroft in Merrimack.

Kenny was born in Connecticut and lived in the Hartford area for the first 60 years of his life. He was a proud Marine who served his country during the Korea War era, and he carried that pride in his service throughout his life, and was rarely seen without his red Marine Corps hat.

Following his military service, Kenny built a career with the Southern New England Telephone Company, where he worked for over 40 years. After retiring, he moved to New Hampshire, where he became the golf starter at Green Meadow Golf Course in Hudson — a role he held for over 20 years and one for which he was widely known and well loved.

An avid fisherman and golfer, Kenny loved sitting on the dock casting for bass on Squam Lake. Among his favorite spots were Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, where he spent countless happy hours fishing for stripers and bluefish and driving his Jeep along the beach — though true to form, he never once ate the fish he caught.

Kenny also harbored a lifelong, good-natured dream of becoming a diner chef — a dream he never pursued professionally, but happily lived out many weekends, cooking up breakfast for his family.

Kenny was also a big dog lover. Over the years, he had many dogs, from small Corgis through a giant Saint Bernard. Regardless of the breed, he was known for spoiling them and sneaking them a little food from the table.

Kenny was predeceased by his longtime wife, Joan Ryan, who passed away last year. He is survived by his two children, Robin Ryan Keith of Hollis, New Hampshire, and Michael Ryan of Chelmsford, Massachusetts; three grandchildren, Alan Keith, James Ryan, and Michelle Ryan; and one great-grandson, his namesake, Alexander Kenneth Keith.

A joint service will be held for Kenny and Joan at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Boscawen, New Hampshire, on November 6th at 12pm, where they will be laid to rest together, with Kenny receiving military honors. Cremation Society of NH, Manchester office, is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit csnh.com.