Ryan's Story

Otto Ryan “Papa” Szanto, 80, went peacefully to be with Jesus at Hospice of Marion County, Ocala, FL on November 8, 2018, from complications related to his 20+ year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome blood cancer.

He is survived by wife Gloria Somerruk Szanto, son Terry Szanto (Louise) in Texas, daughter Lisa Vraniak (Len) in Illinois, stepdaughters Renee Arnett (Trey) and Sherry Kendrick (Dale) of Ocala, 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and mother of his children Nancy Marsh Szanto of Daytona Beach. Ryan was born in Daytona Beach in 1938 and graduated from Mainland Senior HS in 1956, then enlisted in the Navy for 22 years, retiring as Radioman Chief Petty Officer. He was active in Boy Scouts of America as Scoutmaster, District Commissioner, Camp Shands Director from 1984-87, Wood Badge Instructor, and recognized with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to the Overseas Direct Council.