Ryan Nelson Darrow, 25, formerly of Endicott, New York, died unexpectedly on September 11, 2008.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 19, 2008, between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Post 82, 1305 Riverview Drive, Endicott, N.Y. 13760 near Union-Endicott High School.

Ryan was born in Johnson City, New York on August 2nd, 1983 to Raelene and Kevin Darrow. Ryan was attending University of Phoenix and he attended Union-Endicott High School and graduated from the New York State Challenge Program sponsored by the New York National Guard, through which he was a service volunteer at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.

He went on to serve his country in the United States Army, in an elite unit Infantry, 1-36, where he was stationed in Giessen, Germany and deployed to Iraq in 2003.

Ryan received several honors, awards and distinctions including the Combat Infantryman Badge; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Presidential Unit Citation (Army); National Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; and Overseas Service Ribbon.

He also served in the Army Reserves in Durham, North Carolina following his active duty service. Ryan was a loving husband, married to Sheila McClure Darrow and a devoted father to their two sons, Colin Orion, 3, and Liam Kyle, 2.

Ryan will be fondly remembered for his generous nature, his contagious laughter, and his strength and courage. He was an avid animal lover, and will be missed by his companions Koolio and Romeo, and new friend, a baby bull named George.

From an email: He served our country proudly. He suffered greatly from the loss he experienced and witnessed in Iraq... Which ultimately led to his death.