Community Invited to Line Procession Route for North Royalton Firefighter Who Died in the Line of Duty
Category: Community / Public Safety
A firefighter who once served with the Northfield Fire Department will be honored Monday with a funeral procession and service. Ryan Chester Milligan, 36, died in the line of duty on November 2 while fighting a house fire in Broadview Heights.
At the time of his death, Milligan was a firefighter with the North Royalton Fire Department. Busch Funeral and Crematory Services released funeral details and the procession route Friday.
A Familiar Face in Local Fire Service
Born October 1, 1990, Milligan worked as a firefighter and paramedic. His career included time with the Newburgh, Northfield, Seven Hills and North Royalton fire departments.
He spent the past decade building a reputation across the local fire service community. The funeral home described him as a man known for courage, leadership, a strong work ethic and a great sense of humor.
Family came first for Milligan. He leaves behind his wife, Laura, and their two young children, Ryleigh Ann and Chester James. His parents, siblings, extended family and many friends and colleagues also survive him.
Visitation and Funeral Details
Visitation is Sunday, November 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights.
His funeral service will be held Monday, November 9, at 11 a.m. at Grace Church. Burial follows at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Procession Route
Monday’s procession begins at about 9 a.m. at Busch Funeral and Crematory Services, 7501 Ridge Road in Parma. From there, it will travel:
- South on Ridge Road to Route 82 in North Royalton
- West on Route 82, passing the North Royalton Fire Station
- West on Route 82 to York Road
- North on York Road, passing the second North Royalton fire station
- West on Sprague Road
- Right onto Pearl Road to Grace Church in Middleburg Heights
Following the service, the procession will continue to the cemetery:
- Right onto Pearl Road to West 130th Street
- North on West 130th Street to Brookpark Road
- West on Brookpark Road to Holy Cross Cemetery
Ways to Pay Respects
Residents who knew Milligan from his time in Northfield, or who simply want to support his family, are invited to stand along the route. Organizers say people lining the roads will show gratitude and respect to all who are mourning.
Expect traffic delays Monday along Ridge Road, Route 82, York Road, Sprague Road, Pearl Road, West 130th Street and Brookpark Road.
Grace Church will livestream the service. Public access to that stream is still being discussed with the family, and details will be shared if it is approved.
Questions can be directed to Bob Solich, location manager at Busch Funeral and Crematory Services, at 216-956-4648 or rsolich@buschcares.com. His obituary is posted at buschcares.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ryan Milligan serve with the Northfield Fire Department?
Yes. His career as a firefighter and paramedic included time with the Northfield Fire Department, along with Newburgh, Seven Hills and North Royalton.
When is the funeral for firefighter Ryan Milligan?
The service is Monday, November 9, at 11 a.m. at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights.
When is visitation for Ryan Milligan?
Visitation runs Sunday, November 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Grace Church in Middleburg Heights.
What time does the Ryan Milligan funeral procession begin?
It leaves Busch Funeral and Crematory Services at 7501 Ridge Road in Parma at about 9 a.m. Monday.
Where will Ryan Milligan be buried?
He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery following the funeral service.
