Ryan T. Koch, 45, of Springvale, passed away unexpectedly on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Wentworth-Douglas Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire.
Born on March 10, 1981, in Bangor, Maine, Ryan grew up in Bangor and attended local schools, graduating from Bangor High School in 1999. He went on to attend Husson University, where his passion for learning first took root—something that would remain a defining part of his life. Ryan continued his education over the years, earning multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Baker College in Michigan and a Master’s degree in Business from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.
During this time, Ryan also proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan. His sense of discipline, service, and commitment carried through every chapter of his life.
Ryan dedicated 20 years of his professional career to Grainger, with roles that took him across the country, including Alaska, California, and throughout New England. He later worked for the University of New Hampshire and, most recently, spent the past year and a half with DuPont. Never one to remain idle, Ryan often took on additional work, not out of necessity but out of a genuine desire to stay active and engaged. The role closest to his heart was his work as a behavioral health professional, where he provided care, compassion, and guidance to youth in need.
A man of deep faith, Ryan served as a Deacon at the Rochester Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was also actively involved in the American Society of Safety Professionals, serving as president-elect of the Maine Chapter and contributing his time and energy to the Greater Boston Chapter.
Ryan found great joy on the golf course and was a proud member of Cochecho Country Club in Dover. He was also an avid college football fan and could often be found enjoying games on fall Saturdays.
Known for his sharp wit and wonderful sense of humor, Ryan brought laughter and light to those around him. Though he lived frugally, he was extraordinarily generous—especially when it came to causes that touched his heart. He gave freely of his time and resources, often quietly and without seeking recognition, simply because he cared.
Above all else, Ryan was deeply devoted to his wife, Stephanie. He showed his love in countless thoughtful ways—through kind gestures, handwritten notes, and the small, meaningful acts that spoke volumes about his character. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend, and his presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Though his time here was far too short, Ryan lived a full and meaningful life, leaving a lasting impact on those around him. He was a shining example of integrity, kindness, and quiet strength, and the world is better for having known him.
Ryan is survived by his beloved wife, Stephanie Koch of Springvale; his father, Helmut Koch and his partner Sue Kulman of Bradenton, Florida; his mother, Peggy Faloon and her husband George of Eddington, Maine; his sisters, Sheri Kirch and her husband Henry of Ottsville, Pennsylvania, Shawna Hernandez and her husband Alex of Hope Mills, North Carolina, and Cristin Bower and her fiancé Jake Stone of Hubert, North Carolina; his parents-in-law, William and Margaret Clifford of Bangor; his sisters-in-law, Megan Clifford and her fiancé Daniel Blackmer of Wilton, New Hampshire, and Julie Hetherman and her husband Corey of Miami, Florida; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street in Springvale. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are invited to make a memorial contribution in Ryan’s memory to a charity of their choice or one that supports youth mental health.
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I had the privilege of working alongside Ryan for several years, and I was always struck by his selflessness. He was the first to offer help, the first to celebrate others, and was someone who genuinely cared that everyone around him was okay.
I met my husband at work, and Ryan could not have been happier for me that I found “my Stephanie.” Stephanie – I hope you know that Ryan thought the world of you. I have never had the privilege of meeting you in person, but I feel like I know you because of how often Ryan spoke of you, praised you, and so blatantly adored you. Hearing the way he spoke about you was truly beautiful and I don’t think it would have been possible for him to be any prouder to have you as his wife.
Ryan was a truly wonderful friend, and to say he will be missed feels far too small.
Rest easy, Ryan. You are so loved!
Very sad to hear of Ryan’s passing. We were just chatting last week at an event and I always enjoyed those moments. Condolences to the family. May wonderful memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Ryan was a truly amazing professional and person. I’ve only known him since working for DuPont but we played golf together several times and he had an immediate impact on our business. We will miss him very much.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss!
Thinking of you.
When he spoke of Stephanie, it was always with a smile! If I remember correctly, you two sat together on the school bus? He was definitely a good man and he will be deeply missed.
Stephanie, please accept my deepest condolences.
His work ethic was unmatched. I’d say Ryan, I’ll be in at 5am to work on some deals. At 4:55am Ryan would be waiting outside in his blue Yaris, stick shift with manual windows. At times, folks thought we were crazy but to be honest, Ryan had a way to make that crazy fun. We held each other accountable and had some great years together building something special.
Ryan loved telling me when he had a dentist appointment and I couldn’t work out why until one day he let me know that he was off to his dentist in Tijuana and that he wasn’t sure on the exact time he would be back due to the boarder crossing uncertainty.
Something that Ryan was also proud of was the work he did to help kids who needed support.
I don’t know where he found all the time? Full time demanding job that he gave his all to, studying part time and volunteering to help children in need.
Ryan, you made a difference to many of us. Drew Senger, Jeff Setteneri, Anthony Garnica, Andrew Guzzon and so many more. Rest in Peace my man. Till we meet again🙏
I have so much respect for Ryan,
You’ll be missed by many!
Sending my very best wishes to Ryan and his entire family. As a coworker at Grainger for many years, I relied on him and his expertise, his work ethic, his humor, just him as a friend. Getting to know him so well, I realized that his priorities, though he worked so hard all the time for Grainger and the Group Homes he was dedicated to; were to those that he loved in his life. I consider him a friend and confidant, someone I could trust and rely on. He was a unique and special soul, and will be sorely missed. I’m sure he’s making a joke and smirking with that laugh of his right now, and pray for his family that the loss and grief can be overcome by all the good he brought to all he committed to.
I didn’t know Ryan for long, but he had a profound impact on me in the short time that I did. I joined the Grainger healthcare team about a year ago—a team he had been a part of for many years—and worked with him as our DuPont Sales Manager. From the very first day we worked together, he was eager to share his knowledge and little morsels of wisdom. I still have five pages of “Ryan‑isms” from that memorable meeting!
He checked in on me regularly and always offered words of encouragement. After just two hours together, I felt like he genuinely cared about me. He had big emotions and wasn’t afraid to show them. To say that he was a special person is truly the understatement of the year. His passing is a tremendous loss to so many.
I send my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Stephanie, his family, and his many friends and colleagues who are mourning him and missing him deeply.
I met Ryan through his connection with the Maine Chapter of the ASSP. He and I served as Executive Board members and I was looking forward to him being elected President for the 2026-27 term. His passion about keeping the Chapter going through difficult times was inspiring – many times we faced difficulties in getting the chapter members involved and he would say “Well we can try this…” or “I know a guy that can help…” or “I’m meeting with so-and-so who says they want to contribute…” He was a constant source of ideas and was a positive force in keeping the organization going. I know that I personally will miss his enthusiasm and drive.
I send my deepest condolences to his wife, his family, and his many friends and colleagues who are mourning him and missing him deeply.
He left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working with him or knowing him personally. His kindness, humility, and work ethic will continue to inspire all of us.
Stephanie, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know how much Ryan loved you there wasn’t a single conversation we had where he didn’t speak about you with admiration and pride, often saying how much smarter you were than him and how deeply he cared for you.
Ryan was an extraordinary person and it was a blessing to get to know him during our short time working together at DuPont. His genuine kindness, enthusiasm for knowledge, and excitement to connect with others have all been a great inspiration to me. His joy was truly contagious and he brightened each day we shared. Ryan always made work a happy place.
His great passion, authenticity, and exuberance made me feel accepted and encouraged to be my truest, best self too. I am so grateful for the time Ryan and I shared and for the lessons I will carry going forward. Ryan left a lasting, positive impact on this world and it is deeply appreciated. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
Ryan was a person of great character, integrity, and passion. Working in the same department for a few years, I had heard many great things about Ryan, but it wasn’t until we worked together on a project in Boston that I truly came to understand who Ryan was. A true professional who took pride in the craft, Ryan deeply valued partnerships and always put the customer first.
Through those projects, I also had the opportunity to spend more time with Ryan and get to know who Ryan was beyond work. The world needs more people like Ryan. Rest in peace.
“There’s something stronger than death, and that’s the presence of those absent in the memory of the living. “ Valerie Perrin
It is clear that stories and memories of Ryan could fill an entire library. He truly was a gem and I wish I could have told Ryan all the amazing things he was and is to people on our last talk. But Ryan was sometimes even more Ryan than Ryan and he probably already knew it. He really could see the forest for the trees. My first week at Grainger he immediately said “I’m going to help you with this.” 14 years later he was still helping me. Somehow knew I needed a change and called me up. He was an incredible connector and had the most GSD (Get Stuff Done) energy. You never could really catch up but it was fun to try and be part of it.
The last thing he said to me on 4/3/26- is that “ life is good, I’m happy.” I will take that memory with me and many others.
I just heard the news about Ryan’s passing and I couldn’t believe it. What doesn’t surprise me one bit is all the great memories everyone he came into contact with has of him. What a terrific person he was. He had great outstanding character, a very honest person, one very hard working individual and just a really good guy. May the Lord receive him into his glory and may the Lord also comfort and give peace to his family in this time of great sorrow.