Colonel Edward Thomas Ryan, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, firefighter, and radio station founder, revealed in his obituary that he was gay. Ryan, who passed away at the age of 85 on June 1, the first day of Pride Month, disclosed that he had kept his sexuality a secret throughout his life due to fear of being ostracized. In his heartfelt obituary, he expressed regret for not having the courage to come out earlier, stating, 'I was gay all my life: through grade school, through high school, through college, through life.' Ryan also mentioned that he would now 'forever rest in peace' with his secret known. He will be buried next to 'the love of my life.' His revelation has sparked a wave of online tributes and reflections from family members.
The end of the obituary for Edward Thomas Ryan, who died at 85, included a personal note. “I’m sorry for not having the courage to come out as Gay,” Ryan wrote. “I was afraid of being ostracized.” The revelation set off a wave of online tributes. https://t.co/rKXThlm9aQ
Family member reflects on New York military veteran who reveals in obituary he is gay https://t.co/8kycsz3gt7 https://t.co/YLuS9guSDg
A military veteran who went on to serve as a firefighter revealed in his obituary that he was gay, a secret he said he held his entire life. Col. Edward Thomas Ryan died at age 85 on June 1, the first day of Pride Month. "I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as Gay.… https://t.co/jwhHi7LijB
In his obituary, Army veteran, firefighter, and New York radio station founder Col. Edward Thomas Ryan revealed his lifelong secret: "I was gay all my life." He expressed that he would now "forever Rest in Peace." https://t.co/ArCVj3rfIL
“I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as Gay," Edward Thomas Ryan wrote. https://t.co/USeU7wvVv6
A military veteran revealed in his obituary that he was gay, a secret he said he held his entire life https://t.co/5KF6nvc4r9
Col. Edward Thomas Ryan died at age 85 on June 1, the first day of Pride Month, his niece Linda Sargent told "Good Morning America." https://t.co/jPunKtM6RD https://t.co/jPunKtM6RD
Family member speaks out after military veteran from New York reveals in obituary he is gay https://t.co/9MW81aBYJo https://t.co/Bi6ercziVv
Decorated veteran comes out in his own heartbreaking obituary: 'I was gay all my life' https://t.co/xUJs2noJNp
A Vietnam War veteran came out as gay in his obituary, revealing he will be buried next to "the love of my life." https://t.co/YbvZ449Tq9
After a lifetime of secrecy, a decorated veteran came out as gay in his obituary. "Now that my secret is known, I’ll forever Rest in Peace," he wrote. https://t.co/3ORmBoaII9
A military veteran who went on to serve as a firefighter revealed in his obituary that he was gay, a secret he said he held his entire life. Col. Edward Thomas Ryan died at age 85 on June 1, the first day of Pride Month, his niece Linda Sargent told @GMA. https://t.co/Rt1NXSLKBL https://t.co/uFHfuGl9RV
A military veteran who went on to serve as a firefighter and owned a local radio station revealed in his obituary that he was gay, a secret he said he held his entire life. https://t.co/hWj7Kn5HBp
After a lifetime of secrecy, a decorated veteran came out as gay in his obituary. “I must tell you one more thing. I was Gay all my life," he wrote. https://t.co/IEG8aPX3QK
My Dad Was Gay — But Married To My Mum For 64 Years. As She Died, I Overheard Something I Can't Forget. https://t.co/fbJ5W2gMkF
Family of Vietnam vet, 85, who came out as gay in tear-jerking obituary reveal upsetting reason why his final years did not need to be so lonely https://t.co/sWsI04TjXL https://t.co/hxV7XEqt1m
After a lifetime of secrecy, a decorated veteran came out as gay in his obituary. https://t.co/cfPe2RH6ZL
85-year-old decorated Army officer from New York comes out as gay in obituary: “I must tell you one more thing. I was Gay all my life: thru grade school, thru High School, thru College, thru Life… I’m sorry for not having the courage to come out as Gay” https://t.co/hWd6Fpdl9j
Decorated Army officer from New York comes out as gay in obituary: ‘I’ll forever rest in peace’ https://t.co/diZal8Ak5E https://t.co/RuNrPwLmRA
Vietnam veteran reveals heartbreaking secret in his obituary https://t.co/8zH25Tp5Sq via @MailOnline
Col. Edward Thomas Ryan lived with a secret that he revealed only after his death. He was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. https://t.co/okMRYpuunI
Vietnam veteran reveals heartbreaking secret in his obituary after dying aged 85 - and says he was too scared to share his lonely revelation in case loved ones shunned him https://t.co/Rl4TvU93eH https://t.co/jx1X0vcr3i
New York Veteran Comes Out as Gay in His Obituary, Says He Can Now 'Forever Rest in Peace' https://t.co/yY3Z53CJC7
Colonel reveals his lifelong ‘secret’ in obituary. Now he can ‘forever rest in peace’ https://t.co/CVRSt81Gby
In his obituary published in the Albany Times Union newspaper, Ryan wrote, “Now that my secret is known, I'll forever Rest in Peace.” https://t.co/g75RHXDwNb
Col. Edward Thomas Ryan lived with a secret that he revealed only after his death. In his obituary published in the Albany Times Union newspaper, Ryan wrote, “Now that my secret is known, I'll forever Rest in Peace.” https://t.co/kZ6hT3pieA