Donald L. Ryser 1937-2024

Mr. Ryser was born Jan. 5, 1937, in Hubbard Township, the second of four sons to the late Edward E. and Barbara Rudolph Ryser.

Don graduated from Hubbard High School in 1955, where he was known by the nickname “Happy.” Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, honorably serving his country for two years. He then attended ATES Technical School and began employment in 1961 at the former Sherwin-Williams Company (later US Can), in Hubbard. During his 34-year tenure at US Can, he worked in various capacities, rising through the ranks to the position of second-shift superintendent. He retired in 1995.

His wife of 62 years, the former Anna Marie Pesek, whom he married July 22, 1961, passed away five short months ago, Oct. 30, 2023. They lived at home together until the time of her death.

In 1971, he and Ann moved their young family from Hubbard to a farm in Hartford, which they named Lucky Bell Farm. Don was a lifelong horseman. He raised and showed Arabian horses for many years. In the 1970s, his beloved stallion, Siran, won Top 10 in the United States in the Western pleasure category at the Arabian National Championship Horse Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Don enjoyed trail riding as well. He baled hay for decades, into his late 70s, and supplied many local farms.

Don was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon, Pa., where he served as an usher.

He was family-oriented, full of energy, outgoing and always willing to help in any way possible. He loved socializing, polka dancing, cowboy movies, country music and hard work on the farm. He especially cherished the time he spent with his five grandchildren in their younger years, babysitting, picking them up from school, taking them to horseback riding lessons and attending their sporting, musical and school events.

He is survived by a daughter, Donna Marie Walsh and her husband, George of Burghill; a son, Matthew Joseph Ryser and his wife, Amy of Garrettsville; five grandchildren, Patrick (Nadia Khalid) Walsh, Margaret Walsh, Christopher Walsh, Megan (Dustin) Sorensen and Matthew Ryser; and a brother, Thomas Ryser of Hubbard.

In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by brothers, Edward and William Ryser.

He was, and is, deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church, 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Dennis Blauser, pastor, officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the Farrell and West Middlesex Honor Guard.

Interment of Donald and Anna’s remains will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Hubbard, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to either the Alzheimer’s Association, www.ALZ.org; or to Christ Lutheran Church, 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

Arrangements have been entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, PA 16146. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

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