Beloved father and husband Daniel R. Ryan, J.D., 52, of Cazenovia, NY, passed away suddenly after a tragic accident on Monday, July 20, 2026.

     He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Pat Clancy, in 2025, and his father, Fay Ryan, in 2016, along with aunts, uncles, and members of his extended family.

     After graduating from Cazenovia High School in 1992, Dan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Siena College and graduated with a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School of Union University. Dan was a member of the New York State Bar Association and Onondaga County Bar Association.

     For over twenty years, Dan practiced law at the Smith Sovik law firm in Syracuse, NY, where he became a Partner in 2011. Previously, Dan served as Assistant Corporation Counsel with the New York City Law Department, handling cases involving alleged violations of civil rights by the NYPD and Department of Corrections. Dan then transitioned to the Bronx County Family Court, working as a member of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit.

     He took pride in his progressive values and Irish heritage, influences that empowered Dan to carve his own path, much like his cooking, where recipes were little more than suggestions. Dan’s unique perspectives and sardonic humor were accompanied by a huge heart and they were cherished by his loving mother, Margy, his brother and partner-in-crime, Nate, and the many friends and family members blessed to know him.

     Above all else, Dan prized his role as father and husband. He reveled in helping his dear children, Frank, Mike, and Kate, grow into exceptional young adults. Whether it was calmly teaching them to drive on back country roads or happily watching them play on Cape Cod beaches, the greatest joy Dan could find was in his children, matched only by the immediate, profound, and lasting love he had for his wife of 22 years, Shelli.

     Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026 in St. James Church, 6 Green Street in Cazenovia with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall of the church. Private burial will be in St. James Cemetery at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause that you feel best represents Dan’s legacy. Condolences for Dan’s family may be shared at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.