Ryan J. Scanlon, a 24-year-old from Gurnee, Illinois, is being remembered after his peaceful passing on September 25, 2026. His death has brought deep sadness to his parents, Suzanne and Matt, his sister Ashley, his girlfriend Hannah Poff, extended family, friends, and the many people who knew him through school, baseball, work, and his community. His family has not publicly shared a cause of death, choosing instead to remember Ryan through the life he lived and the relationships he built.
Ryan was a talented baseball player whose dedication to the sport carried him from Warren Township High School to Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As a pitcher for the Carthage Firebirds, he developed into an accomplished collegiate athlete, and in 2025 he was named the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Pitcher of the Year. The conference recognized his performance that season, when he recorded a 2.21 ERA, 42 strikeouts, and a 4-0 record in league play.
Away from the baseball diamond, Ryan was remembered for his warmth, humor, thoughtfulness, and devotion to the people closest to him. His obituary describes him as a loving older brother and highlights the relationship he shared with Hannah, whom he met during his first week of college. He also spent years working as a caddy at the Merit Club, where he formed lasting friendships. After earning his bachelor’s degree at Carthage as a double major and completing a master’s degree in Sports Management, he had recently begun working for Champro.
Family and friends are now holding onto the memories that reflected Ryan beyond his accomplishments. One story shared in his obituary recalls how he shortened a study-abroad trip in Spain so he could return home for his final college baseball game, where he pitched a shutout. Such moments capture the determination and loyalty that accompanied his athletic career, while tributes from loved ones also remember his big smile, kind heart, and playful sense of humor. For those who loved him, these personal memories will remain more meaningful than any statistic.
Ryan Scanlon is survived by his parents, Suzanne and Matt, his sister Ashley, his girlfriend Hannah, his grandmother Doreen Scanlon, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation is scheduled for October 2 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Gurnee, followed by a funeral Mass on October 3, with burial at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville. As family, friends, teammates, and members of the community gather to say goodbye, Ryan will be remembered as a son, brother, partner, friend, student, and athlete whose life brought lasting meaning to those around him.
