Representative Kevin Ryan died on Sunday, following a protracted battle with cancer. He was 73.
A friend to many in Connecticut and around the region, Ryan will be remembered for his sharp wit, work ethic, and warm, welcoming nature.
“Kevin Ryan was a dedicated public servant in every way—dedicated to serving his constituents, his district, and the people of Connecticut,” said CSG East Interim Director Wendell Hannaford. “He brought that same dedication to serving state officials across the nation through two decades of service as a member of the Council of State Governments (CSG). While Kevin had an incredibly strong work ethic, he also had a sharp wit and disarming sense of humor that was infectious and could put everyone around him at ease. He clearly cared not just about his work as a state legislator, but about people. Kevin will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues at CSG, but more importantly, Representative Ryan leaves behind exemplary legacy of service to his constituents of the 138th District and the people of the state of Connecticut.”
Few members gave more time and energy to CSG than Representative Kevin Ryan. He served on the CSG East Executive Committee for more than two decades, going on to chair the Eastern Regional Conference in 2017. He was the CSG National Chair in 2024, overseeing the entire national organization leading up to that year’s national conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Just this year, Kevin won the W. Paul White Award, the highest recognition of service to the Eastern Region. Throughout his time as an active member of CSG, his commitment to the work of government and good nature earned him many friends inside and outside of the organization.
CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins described Representative Ryan as “a ‘go-to’ leader and a respected voice within CSG and with many other national organizations of state officials in which he participated.” in a statement posted to LinkedIn, adding “Kevin’s decades of service leave a legacy of leadership that will endure in the laws he helped write and in the many lives made better because of his leadership and concern.”
Ryan was first elected to the Connecticut legislature in 1992. He served as Deputy Speaker from 2013-2022, Assistant Deputy Speaker Pro Tem during the 2023-24 session, and as Deputy Speaker Pro Tem until his passing.
“Kevin Ryan was among the most dedicated and enthusiastic legislators, who was devoted to his district and serving the people of Ledyard, Montville, and Norwich,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said in a statement. “He loved public service and was always ready and willing to listen to the views of the people he represented and take action to support their interests. Throughout my tenure as governor, Kevin has been one of the friendliest legislators that I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and I am going to miss his clever, sharp, and humorous personality. On behalf of the State of Connecticut, I send my deepest condolences to Kevin’s friends, family, and colleagues in the General Assembly.”
Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags around the state be lowered in Ryan’s honor.
House Republican Leader Vincent Candalora also mourned Ryan’s passing, posting to Facebook that “Kevin dedicated himself to public service and to the people of Connecticut, and he made a difference around the country by working on policies with national impact—a fact illustrated by a moment of silence this morning at the State Government Affairs Council conference I’m attending. His calming temperament and sense of humor not only endeared him to his colleagues in the House, but also helped him get business done. His commitment to our state will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace.”
The Connecticut House Democrats remembered Rep. Ryan as “a constant presence with a steady hand on the dais, a trusted mentor, and a loyal friend” in their own statement. “The Capitol will feel emptier without him, but the impact he made on his community, on this institution, and on each of us will endure.”
Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Representative Kevin Ryan. For more than three decades, Kevin dedicated his life to the people of Montville, Ledyard, and Norwich while wanting the best for all of Connecticut.
Kevin’s service extended far beyond our state’s borders. Through his distinguished leadership with the Council of State Governments, including his past chairmanship, he elevated Connecticut’s voice on the national stage and helped strengthen legislatures across the country.
Here at the Capitol, Kevin was a constant presence with a steady hand on the dais, a trusted mentor, and a loyal friend. His good-natured humor, his warmth, and his unmistakable eastern Connecticut accent filled these halls for more than 30 years. He took great pride in being the only person in the building who pronounced Norwich correctly (‘Naah-tch’). His humorous exchanges with staff and colleagues, as well as the endless supply of Twizzlers, brought joy to long days and reminded us of the humanity at the heart of this work.
The Capitol will feel emptier without him, but the impact he made on his community, on this institution, and on each of us will endure.
My friend Kevin Ryan was one of a kind. He represented eastern Connecticut in the state house for a generation. He was kind to everyone. Funny as hell. Cared deeply about people. Wasn't perfect, but no one is. He lived to serve people. And he was a gift. Rest in peace, buddy. pic.twitter.com/3XftK1cywf
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) November 25, 2025
I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside Kevin Ryan since we were both elected in 1992. He was an ardent advocate for Eastern Connecticut & stood up for working families. Kevin’s personality was larger than life, and his quick wit and keen sense of humor will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/d9SERH2QKX
— Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (@LGSusanB) November 24, 2025
