The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States Tuesday recognized the death of Kevin Ryan, a former president of the organization who remained an active contributor. Ryan died Sunday at the age of 73. He’d served in the Connecticut House of Representatives since 1993 and lived in Montville.
“Kevin Ryan contributed tremendously to the value of NCLGS over the years,” said Steve Geller, NCLGS founder and executive counsel. “By its nature, NCLGS has frequent turnover in its leadership, but Kevin was a steady and reliable member of our leadership team for many years.”
Rep. Ryan served as chair of many committees in the Connecticut Legislature and as Assistant Deputy Speaker of the House. He was National Chair of the Counsel of State Governments (CSG) in 2024 and co-chair of the Eastern Region of CSG in 2017.
“Kevin was a mentor to me as I became involved in NCLGS,” said Shawn Fluharty, the organization’s current president. “Not only was he smart and experienced, but he also had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. We’re going to miss him greatly.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rep. Ryan.
“Kevin Ryan was a legend in the halls of the Connecticut General Assembly and in the many organizations to which he dedicated his time and knowledge,” said Rep. Christie Carpino of Connecticut, vice president of NCLGS. “Rep. Ryan was a passionate advocate for his district and a wonderful person. I will always remember the issues we worked on together and our lively conversations.”
Rep. Ryan had a doctorate in optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He worked at the Connecticut Visual Health Center, at Mobile Medical Testing Service, and at Uncas Foods, a family business. He’d taught physics at the University of New Haven since 1980.
NCLGS expressed its sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as sincere gratitude for his years of contribution and leadership.