It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ryan Mooney, a beloved member of the Wilkes‑Barre community who departed this life in the spring of 2025.
A graduate of Bishop Hoban High School and lifelong resident of Wilkes‑Barre, Ryan was a caring friend, devoted family member, spirited classmate, and passionate alum whose memory will live on in the hearts of many.
Ryan was born and raised in Wilkes‑Barre, Pennsylvania, where he attended Bishop Hoban High School. There, he not only excelled academically but also participated in student events and extracurricular activities, always seeking ways to connect with others.
Whether on the sports field, leading service projects, or simply joking with classmates, Ryan’s warmth, humor, and positivity shone through. He had a playful nature and was well-known for his lighthearted teases and the affectionate nickname – “cheese” – that stuck with those close to him.
After graduation, Ryan remained in his hometown, quietly making positive contributions to his community. Though young in age, he possessed a mature empathy that endeared him to neighbors, friends, and local leaders alike.
Ryan had a knack for building connections – he remembered birthdays, asked after people’s families, and could always be counted on to help with a smile. His caring spirit brought people together, whether organizing a weekend cleanup with friends or volunteering with local youth events.
To those who knew him, Ryan’s presence was unmistakable. He had an easy laugh, an infectious grin, and a kindness that felt boundless. He never hesitated to reach out to someone feeling low, sending a text or making a call just to check in. His natural ability was to make others feel seen and heard.
A sense of calm seemed to surround Ryan – a comforting presence in times of distress or joy. He had remarkable emotional intelligence for someone his age, paired with a maturity that inspired trust and friendship.
One heartfelt message captured the shock and grief of losing him:
“I still haven’t processed that you’re gone, brother. RIP, Ryan Mooney. Miss ya, cheese.”
This simple tribute, filled with affection and longing, reflects the deep impact Ryan had on those around him. To his family, he was a loving brother and son, always generous with his time and attention.
To his high school friends, he was the mischievous classmate who could turn any hectic situation into a moment of laughter. To acquaintances, he was a familiar presence – a friendly figure who made Wilkes‑Barre feel just a little bit brighter.
Ryan’s passing has been a sudden rupture in the rhythm of everyday life, leaving his community puzzled by the silence he left behind. But in their grief, people are remembering his essence: the playful banter, the supportive ear, the spontaneous drive to lend a hand.
His absence feels immense, yet so does the impact he made in merely 18 or 19 years of life. Early plans are underway for a memorial gathering to celebrate Ryan’s life.
Family, friends, classmates, teachers, and neighbors will come together to honor his memory with stories, music, and the simple act of being present.
Details will be shared soon, and in the meantime, those who wish to remember Ryan are encouraged to support one another, share fond memories, and hold space for healing.
Though Ryan’s time with us was far too short, the kindness, love, and genuine spirit he carried will continue to inspire. His effect on Wilkes‑Barre – on each person he knew – cannot be measured. We will remember him not for the years he lacked, but for the fullness he brought to each day he lived.
Rest in peace, dear Ryan. Though we’ve lost your presence, the echo of your laughter, loyalty, and warmth remains with us forever. Miss you, brother “cheese.”
