Messages from the Heart

Ryan,
My "big bro" I'll miss you more than you could ever imagine. It'll be crazy not having you here with a beanie on and your phone ringing at every youth group meeting! Have fun & say hi to Jesus for me and go wild "moshing in the name of Jesus!"

- Your "girl" D.J.

-Vanessa

-Susan Nicastro

What a wonderful gift we were blessed with.  A bright, shining star that has touched many lives will now shine down upon us with his radiance and glow within us forever.

- Carol and Jim Young

I met Fury at Calvin Crest that week when he stopped at meal times to say hi to the girls.  He and I talked several times during the week when we saw each other walking around.  My favorite memory, which DJ and I reminded each other of, was on Friday 7/26.  He reminded the girls, "Today's your last day at camp.  Make it count."  I've been thinking of those words ever since—the Lord gives us our day, we need to make it count. What a good guy.  Love to all of you.

Since my granddaughters Rachel and Jessica came to live with me, Ryan's photo has been on our piano in the living room listening every time Rachel practices.

We are sorry that we did not know Ryan but from attending his memorial service today.  I see we have missed out on knowing an exceptional young man.  God bless you, Ryan!  

I did not have to opportunity to know Ryan long but when I met him he was smiling and welcomed me into the fold without any questions.  Ryan was an influence on my life, even in the short time I knew him.  God worked through him for all of us.  My love goes out to you, your family and especially to Ryan.  I look around and I see so many beautiful people, and Ryan saw it too.  He saw the beauty in everyone and he let everyone know it.  He was beautiful and he's safe in the Lord's arms.

Knowing Ryan throughout the years has been a pleasure.  Knowing him since freshman year and meeting him was accidental but what a wonderful accident that was.  My heart goes out to him and his family.  He made the best roast I ever had!

I will never forget his great big hugs and how he always watched over Serena like the big brother/best friend he was to her.

"As iron sharpens iron, so may one man strengthen another" — Ryan lived this daily.

Ryan always gave great hugs, especially to my sons Andrew and Nicholas.  He said to Andrew, "It's great your mom gives great hugs too."

We will always remember Ryan as a symbol of all that is Westminster Pres. Burbank.  His joy of life and serving the Lord.  From the first time we ever came to church here, we always felt welcome and that is because of people like Ryan.  Your son was a very fine person and we will always remember him.  We wish you peace.

Ryan is one in a million!  He was always so friendly, helpful and full of pep.  Ryan was a big help processing Christmas trees for the Burbank YMCA and helped us on many workdays for our church.  Always willing to help on anything such as doing the church floors.

Ron and Peggy,
Zoe told me, "Ryan is so funny.  He makes me laugh."  I agree with Zoe.  What an incredible model of enthusiasm for life and love of others.  Thank you for sharing him with all of us.  You have done a great job of raising Ryan.

I remember Ryan and his mom and dad coming to church and Ryan asking for prayers for his dad.  He showed so much love for them and his love for Jesus by his actions.

We are deeply saddened by Ryan's death but we are also grateful to have known him.  He seemed to be the life of everyone's party.  We will think of him often.

Big kid.  Big smile.  Big laugh.

Peggy and Ron, 
Your son will be deeply missed.  You guys stay strong.  Jesus needed Ryan with him.  Ryan is a lucky man to leave from here early because he's needed in Heaven.  If I can help with anything, let me know.  God bless.

I remember the wonderful time and the awesome talk we had when I took him to dinner the last time he was in Colorado.  Mud pies and Margaritas, little brother!

Ryan was like a big brother to me.  He had a great sense of humor with a heart of gold.  And he was a very good actor as well!!

Ryan impressed me so much with his natural leadership that was always gentle, positive and godly.  I only found out yesterday that he doesn't play the bass—he was just kidding but he went through a whole rehearsal anyway (even when I demoted him to tambourine).  He was a credit to his parents with his pure heart, passion and thoughtfulness.

Everyone talks of what a great soul Ryan was.  Well I only knew Ryan as a small child but he was the BEST LOOKING KID I EVER MET!

In the eighth grade Ryan and I went to the movies.  I can't for the life of me remember what movie but I do remember this.  We came in late and the previews were already playing.  There were maybe three seats left.  We were standing in the back of the theater trying to find empty seats but it was just too dark.  Ryan said, "I'll make some light."  Then, with no warning, he dropped his pants to the floor and, much to my surprise, Ryan was wearing glow-in-the-dark boxers with a big Happy Face on the butt.  So I walked down the aisle with Ryan waddling next to me illuminating the theater, pants around his ankles.  We found seats, not because we saw some empty ones, but because we scared at least 10 people out of the room.  Me and the psycho with no pants.

I'll never forget the inspiration Ryan was on Joe's youngest son, Bryan, to be an actor and to eat his vegetables.

Ron and Peggy, 
It was an honor and a privilege to know your son.  I only wish that I could have known him more deeply and personally after hearing all the wonderful words of love, hope, wisdom and spirit.  God be with you.

Ryan's sense of humor—he could laugh at himself and find humor in most any situation.

Ryan and I had some truly terrific times together.  We also had our share of run-ins.  Philosophical and otherwise.  Though not many people walked away from a run-in with Ryan without some significant damage—let's face it, the kid was 260 and built like a beer truck.  And though I still nurse some bruised ribs (some from wrestling, some from laughing), I refuse to let my heart ache for him.  Because the first thing I do whenever I think of him is smile.  And what better epitaph could any of us leave than that?

Goofy pictures, your insatiable laugh and zest for life.  You taught me more than you know.

Love,
- Melissa Baldwin

Grandma and Grandpa,

You and Ryan were a team. And an excellent one at that! You helped each other to make everything better. Ryan continues to live in each of our hearts. And because of you, we all were able to love such a great guy. You raised a baby boy into what he was. And for that I thank you. Ryan was an uncle, a friend, and a brother to me. He brought out the best in people. And he will still continue to spread his love. You know him, he will not go un-noticed. We are all here for you. And I know that whenever we think of Ryan, we will think of you, and pray that you will all still work as a team to get through this.

Love ya lots,

- Corey

Words fail me when I think of all the times I shared with Ryan Anthony Fioravanti. The Privates were inseparable, and those moments will be with me always. He touched our lives, as we move on in life, we should remember to thank God for all the blessings He has given us. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Peggy and Ron; more caring and supportive parents could not be asked for. May God give us strength.

- Collin

Ron and Peggy Fioravanti, 
Two great parents who gave Ryan all the love and opportunities a guy could ever wish for. You two will always be in my prayers and my thoughts. Peace be with you. Remember, when and if God decides, each one of us will one day see Ryan again. Until then? I'll be happy with my memories and his autograph. 

- Justin, Ryan's best friend in life.

Peggy and Ron, 
Well done good and faithful servants. You have raised up a Godly son who is pleasing in the sight of the Lord, and because of the way you loved and instructed him, he has already heard these words when he ran into Jesus' arms. It's a privilege to be able to call you friends! 

Much love, 
- Marion & Al Wadleigh

Dear Peggy, Ron and family:

I read all of the loving messages sent by family and friends to Ryan and his 
dear family. He must have been a very wonderful young man who was beloved by 
all who knew him. May the God of all comfort bless you and give you His peace 
and strength in the days, months and years ahead. May the memories of Ryan 
and all he was and is to you give you joy. May the assurance of being 
reunited with Ryan one day give you hope and comfort. I hope you will call on 
me and The Compassionate Friends (Verdugo Hills Chapter) to give you care and 
understanding as you walk through the grief of your loss. You need not walk 
alone.

With sincere sympathy,
- Carole Dyck, CO-Leader
  Verdugo Hills Chapter, The Compassionate Friends.

I didn't know Ryan very well but he was a great friend. I felt like I could 
tell him anything. He was like a big brother in some ways. He was a great guy 
and I wish that I could have got to know him better. He was awsome. I will 
never forget Ryan

With Love,     
- Adam

I am a friend of Dianne Hepburn's and have not seen Anita since she was a
little girl. I just wanted to let you know that I will keep you and Ryan in my
prayers. There is one more angel in Heaven to watch over you and keep you safe.

- Mary Bartosik

It's hard to understand how much you miss a friend until they are gone...I 
miss you Dude!
I always made it a point when I saw your mom to remind her to say Hi to you 
from me...I don't do that to a lot of people...
I'll miss you getting me ready to do a scene for Ivan or the way we just 
talked...
I wish my Daughter could have met you...I'm sure she would have like you as 
much as I do...Not did...Do...

- Dan

Hi Ron & Peggy, 
You are very blessed to have had such a wonderful, well loved son. Ryan was a super genius, and full of love. He did more than most people do ever. We played cowboys, & Apostles together. Now that he's with the Lord & the real Apostles he can ask them if we got it right. God Bless you both, know that you are loved, that Ryan will always be loved, and that my thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Love, 
- Jim Herron.

Peggy and Ron,

We are very sorry for your loss. Ryan was a wonderful and brilliant boy.  We always enjoyed hearing from you, Kelly, and Mrs. Kroemelbein concerning how Ryan was doing. I know that every time Ryan was here in Pennsylvania visiting his Grandparents; Kelly’s children would be so excited and couldn’t wait to see cousin Ryan.  We thoroughly enjoyed seeing his headshots when you brought them to Thanksgiving dinner last year.  We will truly miss him.  All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

- Connie, John, and Nicole Lane

Ryan:

I'm blessed to have shared time with you.
  

"The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering." -- Saint Augustin

I'll always remember you. Pals...

- Bryan Frank

Mrs. Peggy, 
I only met Ryan once but I feel like I've known him for years. I can remember all of the times you and I sat and talked - a lot of our talks were about Ryan. You told me stories about him when he was a little boy that made me laugh (like the spoon). Ryan was a great kid - you and your husband did a great job raising him. A lot of who he became was because of the love you guys gave him. I'm praying that God will continue to strengthen you in this great time of sorrow. 

Love, 
- Jill Jackson

I had the pleasure to meet his Mom last Wed. We spent several hours together and I so admired her strength .. Ryan was a special young man, I am sure.. altho' I never met him. Please hug her for me.

- Sandra Mahanna

Ryan~
I miss you everyday of my life....you are in my heart and prayers...ALWAYS!!!!

~rach~

Grandma and Grandpa,
I've been thinking a lot about Ryan lately. It's kind of hard not to think of that big 
guy. He always called me "Big Man". And that was really special to me. He of all
people to call ME "Big Man". He was such an inspiration to me. I always compared
him to my friends. He was such a good example of character, so it was hard not
to. 
There were just so many things that he shared with me. He told me things he said
that he never told anyone. And for that I felt special. I guess he made everyone 
feel special in their own way. And that is what made him such a remarkable guy. 
I will always try to take after his examples, as I have done all the way back to
the "Bathtub stories". And between you and I Ryan: I will follow through with
my promise I gave you. I swear. I love you, and will always have you in my heart.

Love,
- The "Big Man" (Corey)

LISA MICHELLE, GINA MARIE, LAURA CHRISTINE, JULIE ANN, CYNTHIA DAWN, 
KRISTIN LEE, AND THEN CAME RYAN ANTHONY!!!!
I THINK HE CALLED US ALL "SIS" SO HE WOULDN'T GET ANYBODY'S NAME WRONG!
WE LOVE YOU LITTLE BROTHER 

- ALL YOUR POLLY POCKET SIZE SISTERS!

MOM AND DAD,
EVERY TIME I START A MESSAGE I NEVER KNOW WHEN TO STOP OR HOW TO STOP!
MY HEART STILL HURTS EVERYDAY MISSING RYAN SO MUCH. EVEN THOUGH I KNOW
RYAN WOULDN'T WANT ME TO, I CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL A SENSE OF GUILT THAT WE
WEREN'T CLOSER GROWING UP. GRANTED, WE WERE 17 YEARS APART, BUT THAT'S
NO EXCUSE. I AM THANKFUL FOR THE SPECIAL TALK HE AND I HAD WHEN I TOLD
HIM HOW BAD I'VE ALWAYS FELT ABOUT THAT AND HE TOLD ME "AH SIS, LETS JUST
BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT WE HAVE". I AM THANKFUL - BUT I'LL ALWAYS WISH I HAD
MORE TIME TO BE HIS BIG SISTER. I'D ALWAYS ADMIRED AND ENVIED A LITTLE, 
YOUR RELATIONSHIP AS A FAMILY! I TOLD HIM THAT NIGHT AT DINNER HOW LUCKY 
HE "IS" TO HAVE SUCH LOVING, CARING, COMPASSIONATE, GUIDING PARENTS. HE 
SMILED AND SAID HE KNEW!!!! YOU RAISED AN INCREDIBLE MAN!!!! I HOPE I CAN 
FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS WITH MY OWN CHILDREN! I REMEMBER THE YEAR 
YOU ALL CAME OUT FOR CHRISTMAS WHEN HE WAS ABOUT 11. YOU HAD CALLED 
ME WHEN YOU WERE CLOSE TO MY HOUSE AND I DROVE DOWN AND MET YOU. I 
REMEMBER RYAN RUNNING ACROSS THE PARKING LOT TO HUG ME - HE WAS A 
TYPICAL NORMAL SIZE 11 YEAR OLD KID ------------------- WITH HUGE FEET! :) 
THEN 5 YEARS LATER WHEN YOU CAME BACK FOR CYNTHIA'S WEDDING, I REMEMBER 
GOING TO SEE YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME AND WHEN RYAN WALKED OUT OF THE 
HOUSE - I WAS BLOWN AWAY AT HIS SIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I STILL CAN'T
 BELIEVE IT!  I MISS HIM SO MUCH AND THINK ABOUT HIM AND YOU ALL THE TIME! 
WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU FOR CHRISTMAS - WE CAN ALL CRY, LAUGH, 
REMEMBER,  REJOICE AND CELEBRATE JESUS TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH
- LAURA

Gradma and grandpa,
We all know how much Ryan influenced all our lives and how he
changed me Corey and Bryce, but evev though he is gone we can all remember
how funny and stupid he was at the same time.

Love You Sooooo Much,
- Russell

brother." I miss you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!! There isn't a 

day that goes by that I don't think about you. I feel a lot safer knowing that 

you're up in heaven watching over all of us and I have no doubt that when one of 

us does something that you don't approve of, you'll let us know in that special 

RYAN FURY way. You really are an angel Ryan.

Love your "Circus Midget" and oldest sister-----Lisa

Dear Ron and Peggy,
We cherish our memories of Ryan, with us and with Justin since first grade.
They keep popping up, seeing his face at different ages. The memories make us
smile, yet are painful. We know your joy and your pain exceeds ours. We will
continue to be here for you and uphold you before the Lord. Thank you that you
continue to pray for us also, and that you continue to reach out to serve
others.

Love in Christ, 
- Gordon and Linda

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