In Memory of SPC Ryan Pertile
February 17, 1993 — August 2, 2022
Ryan always had a passion for the military starting at a very young age. When he wasn’t playing Club, or High School Hockey, he was joining forces on some video game to battle bad guys. Ryan joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduating high school in 2011. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Combat Engineer Division. Ryan was stationed at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
He deployed in 2012 to Afghanistan’s Ghazni Province with the 2nd Engineer Battalion, 573rd Clearance Company. Ryan was the Gunner – first eyes of defense, during route clearance missions.
Shortly after his deployment he was promoted to E-4, Specialist.
He was Honorably discharged in 2014, earning the Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ 2 Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service-Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge.
Following his return home to Tennessee, Ryan graduated with Honors from Columbia State College, earning his Associate’s degree in Applied Technology. He was also chosen to intern with Nissan, which he did for a short time, but was later approached by Social Security Administration to continue his career with the U.S. Government, as a Customer Service Representative.
Even though his job was challenging, Ryan would share about the times he helped clients out of difficult situations. He knew how important his job was, and he understood the importance of being compassionate and a good listener.
Ryan was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree, at the Church of the Nativity, along with his Dad, Scott. He also attended Saint Catherine’s Parish in Columbia.
Whether it was sitting in his johnboat casting a line, hiking a trail, or just hanging around a fire pit, that is where Ryan was most at peace.
He loved his “therapy cat” Stella, who showed up on his porch one day and decided to stay. Ryan also loved taking our family dog, Mitch, on adventures by going on car rides and hikes together.
Ryan is a True American Hero, with a loving and giving spirit. His Love of God and love for his family lives on through his parents and his sisters.
Laid to rest at Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbia, TN
