Ryan A. Love, 40, of Peoria, died on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from injuries sustained in a 5 vehicle accident outside of Galesburg, IL.
Ryan was born on September 28, 1974, in Peoria. He attended Augustana College and University of Illinois law school, but those that knew him recognize him less for academic institutions he attended and more from intellectual diatribes he provided. He worked at Papparazzi in Peoria Heights for several years, and will be remembered as a passionate chef, an avid dog lover, a Halloween costume enthusiast, a talented cannonballer, and a loving, committed partner and stepfather to his family. He was his family's original "Silly Man", a deeply committed 49'ers fan, and a Star Wars collector. He enjoyed poker and bulls games with his dad, aggressively seasoning his mom's and sister's cooking, arguing politics, philosophy, law, and ethics, and loving, loving, loving his family and friends. Ryan will be forever cherished as a warrior - for logic, ideals, animals, his best friends, and anyone he loved. He was fiercely intelligent, bitingly sarcastic, deeply loyal, and so very loved.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Phyllis and Randy Stone of Peoria; his father, Ronald Love of Peoria; fiancée Katie (Becker) Hanyzewski of Dunlap; two stepchildren, Madison and Jackson Hanyzewski; sister and brother-in-law, Riley (Love) and Eric Naff of Downers Grove; nephew and niece Elias and Mila Naff; stepbrother, Doug Stone of Rochester; stepsister DeAnn (Stone)and Jimmy Ingersoll; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is preceeded in death by grandparents James and Florence Folatico and Jessie and Cathryn Love.
A celebration of Ryan's life will be held at 3pm on Sunday, May 17 at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria. A sharing of stories will occur, and all are encouraged to contribute a memory, joke, or anecdote about Ryan, though guarantees cannot be provided that Ryan won't debate erroneous details from the beyond.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his honor may be made to Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS) at 2600 NE Perry Avenue and Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) www.splcenter.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ron Love.
August 13, 2023
Friend
Lisa (Fenton) Mendez
I met Ryan in 4th grade at Washington Grade School. My strongest memories are of him when we were in Ms. Brophy's 8th grade class. He proudly displayed Oliver North pictures in his cubby and seemed to know all about the politics of 1987-88. We parted ways to go to different high schools then reconnected during senior year and beyond, for many years.
Ryan was one of the smartest, most interesting people I've ever known. He was a true blue friend, always had my back, and cared with the deepest of love and heart. I think of him often with fondness and care. I am so sorry for the loss of all those who loved and cherished him. I hope he is surrounded by peace and perhaps having fiery and funny conversations from the beyond. ~Lisa
June 7, 2015
Hi Katie- A friend told me of Ryan's passing. I can not tell you how deeply sorry I am for you!! I really liked him and thought he was a wonderful partner for you! Please take care. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Elyn Mulder
June 4, 2015
Jim and Nancy McGinn
We just learned of Ryan's death today as we were out of town. We only knew Ryan from Paparazzi but we had some great moments with him there and we will miss him greatly. We are so glad our paths crossed. Our deepest sympathy to all.
May 25, 2015
Kathy Harris-Hafele
I was truly saddened to learn of your loss. It has been many years since I baby-sat for both Ryan and Riley at your house on Institute. I do remember when Riley was born and Ryan was such a proud big brother. He loved playing on the old "pioneer wagon" swing set in the backyard and he never wanted to go inside! I wish I had a chance to know him as an adult. It sounds like he was an interesting and well-loved young man!
May 23, 2015
Martha Pellegrino
My deep condolences to Ryan's family. I have many fond memories debating Ryan - on the high school debate circuit in 1989 and 1990 - and for fun, because that's what we did. I remember him as a friend with staunch convictions who was fiercely loyal. But the art of argumentation was his passion as a young man and I admired his skill. I recently reconnected with his high school debate partner, Mark, randomly in a legislative hearing room in Salem, OR. So I have been thinking of Ryan fondly for several weeks to know. I was saddened to hear of his tragic loss. Ryan will live on in many of our thoughts, memories and histories. He was a special man who I was proud to have called a friend.
May 20, 2015
Darcy Harris
Some people become legendary figures in the stories of our lives because something about the strength of their personalities makes it impossible to adequately describe them to others. For me, Ryan has long been one of those people. The combined sound of mocking and smugness and, somehow, love that he had in his voice when he found something to correct in me still rings in my heart. He remains one of the most loyal people I have ever known. He will be missed.
May 19, 2015
Angie Perrilles
Phyllis,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you be surrounded by comfort and love during this time. You are all in my prayers. God bless.
May 18, 2015
Tanya Eaton
Ron I fondly remember Ryan on the debate team at Peoria High. I am so sorry for your loss
May 18, 2015
Jennifer Hanyzewski
Katie,
My heart goes out to you Madison and Jack. You know I love you guys and will do anything I can to help. Please know my family will support you in any way we can. I so very sorry for your great loss.
May 18, 2015
John & Ruth Risius
Ron - We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Ryan. May God give you peace at this time. With deepest sympathies.
May 17, 2015
Jane Schoenheider
Ron - I was so sorry to read about Ryan. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
May 17, 2015
Loni Piper
Remembering you and your family today. We are sorry for your loss.
Loni Love Piper, ( Donald Love Family)
May 17, 2015
James and Rosemary Stuttle
We knew Ryan only through Paparazzi. As "regulars," we saw him often. He teased us about our penchant for drinking lots of water and always made sure our glasses were full, even when he wasn't our server. His warmth, wit and good humor will be sorely missed. A kind and gentle man.
May 17, 2015
My late husband and I so enjoyed talking to Ryan at Paparazzi. He was so very nice to us, and continued to be special to me when I go with our gang for b'day dinners. We just saw him a few weeks ago. My sincere sympathy to his family; what a lovely surname for him, Love. Jo Hammel
May 17, 2015
Alan and Jeannie Trent
We mourn the loss of this exceptional and talented individual. It was obvious he cared deeply for his family, dogs, and Paparazzi-family.
May 16, 2015
Doug Stone
Most, if not all, of my interactions with Ryan took place when family and kids were close by. Ryan would always greet kids with equal, actually more, excitement and enthusiasm than he would the adults. I LOVED that about Ryan. He treated the children of those he knew and loved as if they were his own flesh and blood. He talked to them, played with them, and made them feel special (which they all are). Ryan embodied the ideal of suffer[ing] little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
May 16, 2015
Derek Nohr
Ryan was my debate coach for a few years from 93 to 95. So many awesome memories with him, but the ones which mostly stick out was watching nearly every chicago bulls game in the 95 season at his augie apartment (they never lost!!!) I also remember how excited he was that his dad got him signed seats from the old Chicago stadium. we lost touch after I graduated, but he was a very positive influence in my life and I am very sad to know he is no longer around to debate people.....
May 16, 2015
Mark Gharst
Condolences to Ron, Phyllis, Riley, and all those who loved Ryan. I counted Ryan among my best friends in grade school and high school and remember so many board games, card games, trips to the arcade, and nights spent arguing politics and philosophy late into the night. As his debate partner for four years, I was lucky to always have him on my side of the argument. Ryan was never shy about sharing his opinions, and he will live on through all the people whose thinking he influenced. So very sorry for your loss.
May 16, 2015
Bruce& Lisa Brown
Besides the loss to his grieving family, loving fiance', and also his beloved dogs, he was also a longtime co-worker at Paparazzi Restaurant in Peoria Heights. We are stunned, and deeply saddened with his passing ... many 'regulars' sought him out as their server - he was also 'fill-in host', an accomplished chef, and a 'man for all seasons'. In 32 years of business, this, surely, is one of our lowest moments. 'Noi Non Dimentichiamo Cosi Presto'- 'WE DON'T FORGET SO SOON'
May 16, 2015
Matt Boehm
Ryan,
Thanks so much for the times and laughs spent with our family so many years ago. God obviously has a different plan for you at this time. May God bless you and all your loved ones! Go 49ers!
May 16, 2015
Rae Wilbanks
You are all in our prayers.
May 16, 2015
Carol Spayer
Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire family and extended family. Terry and I have known the Stone family since the 90s and I am friends with Eric Naffs mom. So so sorry for the loss of such an exuberant man and brilliant mind
May 16, 2015
Edith Bliss Stubbs
To Phyllis, Riley, & family, I am very sorry for Ryan's tragic passing. I remember him as a Whittier School student, a delightful child, & see that he grew into a fine young man. I send my heartfelt condolences to all.
May 16, 2015
Judy Miller
Ryan will be deeply missed. Fantasy Football will never be the same.
May 16, 2015
Pat Fuller
What a beautiful tribute this obit is to Ryan! I wish I'd known him. Treasure your memories and never stop telling those anecdotes about him.
May 16, 2015
Ryan will always be remembered and his legacy will be passed through his family with stories of his life's adventures for ever~~~Gods comfort to you for he is with.
May 15, 2015
Judy Haselhoef
Ryan was truly larger than life. I knew him only through the stories his family told and those were of a man who was strong, determined, individualistic and unique. Our collective heart (of Lane, Harry, Mike and me) goes to those who were within his intimate circle for we know the loss of this remarkable man is grand.
May 15, 2015
We had plans to bring our families together..I was so looking forward to meeting Katie and the kids. You sounded on top of the world!
Ryan was clever, sweet, terribly competitive sometimes, always sharp, insightful, a memory that always blew me away... And truly a one of a kind I will never ever forget. I know he would say I am being cliche but it is all true I will never be as well spoken as Ryan! He always left me thinking!
We are so sad for Katie, Madison, Jackson, Phyllis, Randy, Ron and Riley...and really for this world...he added so much good to it.
Monkey Bookends in Heaven, Ashley, Kevin, Juila, Ren
May 15, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss of Ryan..Word can't begin to express our sympathy for your family...Ryan was such a great guy and we loved seeing him at Papparazzi.. May God give you great comfort at this very sad time..
Linda and Larry Gouveia
May 15, 2015
Michelle Traver
Dear Ron, Phyllis, and Riley and all those who loved Ryan, May his loving spirit shine brightly in each and everyone of you. With heartfelt condolences
May 15, 2015
JoLynn DePaolis
I was so sad to hear the news, Ryan was truly one of a kind and he will be missed, we shared many fun times together, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family
and friends
May 15, 2015
Jim, Sarah, and Lindsey Birk
To Ryan's loved ones,
Please accept our sincere condolences. We are so grateful for the love and commitment Ryan showed to Katie and our family. We will miss having him at our family gatherings and he will remain in our memory. Your family, Ryan, and Katie are in our prayers.
May 15, 2015
Pedro Salazar
Ryan had everything... dizzying intellect, razor wit, good looks and friends and family that loved him SO much despite his questionable NFL fandom choices (I'll never forget how much he rode me for being a JETS fan and made me laugh about it in the end). I offer my deepest condolences to all his family - may he rest in peace.
May 15, 2015
Geneva Becker
The world is a dim place without the light of Ryan. I have always had a theory that people live up to their names, and I used to tell him that he certainly lived up to his...Love.
Geneva Becker
May 15, 2015
Laura Boone
I'm so sorry Katie...
May 15, 2015
Jamie Welton
To Ryan's family,
Our deepest condolences for the loss of Ryan. I spent a lot of time with him on the high school debate circuit and sharing research in the summer, and will never forget the semi-final run he and Mark went on at the IHSA State Debate Tournament in 1992. A formidable orator to say the least and one that will be greatly missed.
May 15, 2015
Jody Miles
There are no words to offer during your time of grief, but know that many people are praying for your family during this most difficult time. To Katie, Maddisyn and Jack- I love you all and I will continue to pray for comfort and peace- I know how much Ryan meant to all of you.
May 15, 2015
Rich & Ana BREAUX
Very sad news. I never knew Ryan but from what I have read he seemed like a wonderful man. Our prayers to you and your entire family. God Bless.
May 15, 2015
Claudia Heming
Ryan,
We loved you and you will forever be in our hearts.
Claudia & Bill Heming
May 15, 2015
Cheryl House
To Ryan's Family,
We were saddened to hear of this news. My son Brian and Ryan were friends through high school and college. We thoroughly enjoyed his conversations. God Bless you all through this difficult time.
The House Family, Don and Cheryl
May 15, 2015
Herb Kasube
There are no words to express how I feel. A loss like this is so tragic and unexpected. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless.
May 15, 2015
David Bjerke
Ryan. We miss you. I remember our times at the Rhythm Kitchen.
May 15, 2015
Ryan was a happy soul and so goofy. Really brightened the day.
May 15, 2015
Liesl Fowler, Registrar
To Ryan's family and loved ones,
The Augustana family is deeply saddened by Ryan's passing and our thoughts are with you all. His faculty, advisors and fellow students are thinking of him. He will greatly be missed.
May 15, 2015
Kristie and Glenn Collier
Ron, we are so very sorry for your loss. I was absolutely stunned when I made the connection. I am just heartbroken for you. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
May 15, 2015
Laura Hartman
Ryan was much beloved by students and professors at Augustana College. We are so sorry for his loss! For our service learning project, he helped to plant several trees in the Greenbush neighborhood near Augie: one of the ways he had a positive impact on the world. We are hoping to plant a tree in his honor on campus - please contact me if you want to be involved. (my e-mail address should be linked below.)
May 15, 2015
Quinton & Barb Smith
Ron,
Quinton & I were so sad to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and our prayers.
May 14, 2015
kim thomas
Farewell my friend
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