Dennis E. Ryan, 77, of Elyria passed away Friday December 25, 2015 at UH Elyria Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born December 29, 1937 in Sandusky and was a Elyria resident for most of his life. Dennis was a teacher for the Elyria Public School System for 35 years, retiring in 1996. He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church where he served as a Usher. He was a active member of the Elyria Elks Lodge #465 and active with the St. Mary Church Hot Meals Program. Dennis enjoyed history, reading and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Sharon (nee-Linn); daughters, Denise Ryan (Dayne Cork) of Queens, NY., Michelle Ryan and Heather Ryan both of Elyria; grandchildren, Emily, Gage, Ella, Alexander and Jordan; brother, Robert (Phyllis) Ryan Jr. of Dayton. A Memorial Mass will be on Tuesday December 29, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Church 590 Polar St., Elyria. The Rev. Fr. Frank P. Kosem, pastor will be the Celebrant. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the St. Mary Hot Meals Program 320 Middle Ave., Elyria or to St. Jude Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenbthalmercado.com Service: 10:00 AM Tuesday December 29, 2015 St. Jude Catholic Church 590 Polar St. Elyria, OH.