This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Ryan Robinson Dunne, 37, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away Oct. 19 after a long battle with cancer. He was born July 14, 1983.

Ryan lived in New Haven and Mansfield before moving to Madison. He graduated from Daniel Hand High School, where he was a standout lacrosse player and also played football. He attended Keene State College in New Hampshire where he played lacrosse for one year. He then enlisted in the United States Army and graduated with honors from the United States Army Intelligence Center at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He served at Bagram Air Base as part of the military intelligence personnel in Afghanistan. Ryan received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for meritorious service in the Operation Enduring Freedom Campaign. He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Marksmanship Qualification Badge.

Ryan loved Arizona. After four years of honorable service in the United States Army, he returned to Arizona to attend Mesa Community College. After being diagnosed with leukemia, Ryan came back to Connecticut to receive treatment at Yale New Haven Hospital’s Smilow Cancer Treatment Center, and subsequently at the Medical University of South Carolina. He fought courageously for seven years against his illness. He was a warrior.

Ryan loved the outdoors, especially camping and hiking, and he even designed and developed custom camping equipment. He loved firearms and teaching combat shooting. Ryan was very patriotic and loved America. He also loved his Boston terrier, Roscoe.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Cynthia Dunne Derry (Stephen) and Martin “Rusty” Dunne (Maria) of Madison; his treasured sister Brittany McPhillips (Dustin) of Charleston; his aunts, Kimberly Kinney of Cromwell, Christine McAllister (Jeffrey) of Lebanon, and Mary Beth Ruttan of Columbus, Ohio; and grandparents Dolores and Howard “Bud” Harvey of East Hartford. He will also be missed by his cousins, Sean McAllister (Alexandra) of Manchester, and Matthew McAllister of San Diego, California. Ryan was predeceased by his aunt Kelly Harvey and paternal grandparents Martin W. Dunne Sr. and his beloved “Nan-Nan,” Mary A. Dunne.

Ryan will be fondly remembered by his family and many friends for his great sense of humor and deep passion for his convictions and beliefs. His immense knowledge and meaningful contributions will be missed by all.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 24 at Holy Infant Church, Orange. Interment with military honors followed at Orange Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smilow Cancer Treatment Center at giving@ynhh.com. To leave online condolences, please visit www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.