Ryan Patrick Killackey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ryan Patrick Killackey on October 4, 2024, who died peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Brooklyn, New York. Ryan was born on April 24, 1978, to Patricia and Michael Killackey, attended school and was raised with his three siblings in Homewood, Illinois. Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Terrestrial Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana in 2000.

After graduation, Ryan embarked upon nearly three decades of living, working and exploring all seven continents. His primary adult residence was Washington D.C. for many years before settling in New York City. A prolific defender of the natural world, Ryan worked tirelessly to raise awareness for wildlife conservation and human rights. His legacy lives on through his photography and film, including the award-winning feature documentary Yasuni Man (2017). When he was not documenting, exploring and conducting research, his career included working at the U.S. National Park Service, National Geographic, Central Park Zoo and most recently as a camera operator at Good Morning America ABC/Disney.

Beloved son of Patricia (nee Kelly) and the late Michael Killackey, brother of Michael Jr. (Elizabeth Gasper), Carolyn (Albert Lee), and the late David. Uncle to Aidan and Colette Lee and grandson of Joan and the late David Kelly and the late John and Carolyn Killackey. Ryan will be missed dearly by his extended Kelly and Killackey families, as well as his many friends from around the world.

Ryan's services will be held on Friday October 18, 2024, at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State Street, Chicago IL 60654 starting with a visitation at the church at 9:30a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am.

If you would like to honor causes that were important to Ryan, please donate in his memory to the Rainforest Trust, Wildlife Conservation Network, The Nature Conservancy, or Third Millenium Alliance.

For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300 .

MESSAGE FROM HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL: Parking is free until 3:00 p.m. Warn drivers not to leave later. One minute late and they charge $100.

TO VIEW THE LIVESTREAM OF THE FUNERAL MASS FOR PATRICK KILLACKEY BEGINNING ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT 10:15 A.M., PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

https://youtube.com/live/zqXjaeCpQq0