Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and retired firefighter from Albany, New York, revealed in his obituary that he had lived as a gay man his entire life, keeping his sexuality secret due to fear of ostracization. Ryan, who died at age 85, described his 25-year relationship with Paul Cavagnaro, the love of his life who passed away in 1994. Despite his many accomplishments, including founding a local radio station and receiving numerous military honors, Ryan felt compelled to hide his true identity due to societal prejudice. His posthumous revelation has garnered widespread attention and emotional responses from the public, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Ryan's final words express both an apology for not coming out sooner and a sense of peace now that his truth is known.