Ryan Christopher Benton, of Boston, born 11/22/95, passed away on 5/27/23. He is survived and profoundly missed by his devoted and loving parents, John Benton and Colleen Benton (Maher), of Plymouth, MA, and adored sister and best friend, Bailey Benton of South Boston.
Ryan is also survived by his loving mommom (Joan Benton); aunts and uncles Patricia “PatPat” and Leo Martin, Carol (Carrie) Pontz, Bill Maher, Mike and Chris Benton, Tom and Kim Benton, and Joel and Gail Benton, and cousins Mike Martin, Laura “Lou” Martin, Julie LaChappelle, Patrick Maher, Jennifer McKinney, Liz, Josh, Dylan, and Marina Benton, and a very special little boy, Leo Daniel Martin (Junior), son of his kindred spirit and godmother “Bee” Ellen Martin; and more friends than any one person typically accumulates in a much longer lifetime.
Ryan was predeceased by his granddad (Robert Benton), grandmother Ellen Lawless Maher, uncles Joseph Maher and Steve Benton, adoring godfather Daniel Leo Martin and beloved, furry companion Snookie.
Raised in Bartlett, Illinois, Ryan graduated from St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Illinois (2014) and was a 2019 graduate of the University of Vermont, where he received dual Bachelor of Science degrees in community development and environmental entrepreneurship, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Ryan was a senior associate at Horvath & Tremblay, where he was a rising star and had already achieved remarkable success in real estate due to his tireless work ethic and magnetic personality.
We struggle to find words that can capture the magic that was Ryan, but in his verbose honor we will try to hit the major points.
Equal parts hooligan and gentleman, he possessed the exquisite duality only the truly special embody. A true master of all forms of humor, highbrow to lowbrow, he spoke fluent sarcasm, always tempered by warmth, kindness, and a disarming twinkle in his eye.
Ryan was a confirmed fashionista, cool enough to carry off being a Lululemon enthusiast or rocking a Patriots’ adult onesie. He was dripping in designer sunglasses and shoes, which he frequently left behind, and his collections of which were rivaled only by his unpaid parking tickets.
His confidence and poise were balanced by humility and resounding kindness and the unfailing ability to identify the underdog and offer his support selflessly and gracefully, leaving the recipient feeling better without feeling indebted.
Though born and raised in the Chicago area, his mother’s determination to make him a Boston sports fan, much to his father’ chagrin, was successful as he was a dedicated Red Sox and Patriots fan. A natural athlete, he played quarterback from childhood through high school, most recently expressed as a frustrated novice golfer and dancer, whose confidence outweighed his technical skill.
Innately resilient, Ryan strove to be self-reliant and seek the truth. He was gifted with a brilliant and agile mind and, in a wisdom beyond his years, sought knowledge from all sources, driven by a pure curiosity and zest for life and all the hope it offers. The man he had become was a source of great pride and joy to all who loved him.
He seldom showed up on time, but always showed up when you needed him. He was a giant ray of sunshine in any room or life he entered and had a presence and infectious charisma to which no one was immune.
He had a unique ability to pick and choose which rules to follow, living by his mantra “ask forgiveness, not permission.”
Ryan loved fiercely. The loss of his sunshine has already left us longing for his warmth, but even in our despair we are able to recognize that, though far too brief, his life was a gift to all who basked in its warm glow. In keeping with his personal ethos, we will strive to persevere.
"If you were lucky enough to be loved by Ryan, you were lucky enough."
Private viewing for immediate family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 at 1:00PM EST for friends and family to gather and bask in the warmth of Ryan’s sunshine together for one final time at The Columbarium at Glastonbury Abbey, 16 Hull Street, Hingham, MA 02043. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Ryan’s friends have established a Go Fund Me page, for those who wish to contribute to causes that were near and dear to Ryan’s generous heart. Please visit “In Remembrance of Ryan Benton” at the link below.