Obituary: Dave Ryan, 58

BOSTON – Dave Ryan, a veteran menswear salesman, died on Monday at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass., after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 58.

A wake will be held on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cartwright Funeral Home in Braintree, Mass., followed by a funeral mass on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Clare’s Church, also in Braintree.

Ryan spent the last 20 years of his life working for Hertling Industries and Robert Talbott as a sales rep for the New England territory.

“He was the greatest ambassador of goodwill in the history of our industry,” says Greg Thomajan, longtime friend and owner of Zarehs, Boston. “What made him so special was his determination to go to all the places that other salesmen wouldn’t go because they were too far out of the way. For Dave, no retailer was too small or too insignificant for him to pay a visit and show them the line. He felt it was his obligation to Robert Talbott and Julie Hertling and he enjoyed doing it. He was a remarkable man who was legendary for his hard work.”

Ryan lived in Braintree, Mass. He is survived by his wife, Mary; a son Scott; a daughter Erin and a grandson Matthew David.

The family has asked that contributions in Ryan’s memory be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, Mass., 02115; and the Holy Cross Family Ministry, 518 Washington Street, North Easton, Mass., 02356