GURNEE, ILLINOIS — Ryan J. Scanlon, a 24-year-old Gurnee resident and accomplished baseball player, died peacefully on September 25, 2026, according to his published obituary. He was remembered by his family and friends for his athletic achievements, humor, faith, loyalty and devotion to those closest to him.
Scanlon built a strong reputation as a pitcher during his years at Warren Township High School and later continued his baseball career at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His college career included a major conference honor in 2025, when he was named CCIW Conference Pitcher of the Year.
His obituary also describes a young man who was preparing for the next stage of his career. After earning his bachelor’s degree as a double major at Carthage, he completed a master’s degree in Sports Management and had recently finished his first year working for Champro.
Latest Update: September 29, 2026
As of September 29, 2026, Ryan Scanlon’s death has been confirmed through his published funeral-home obituary. McMurrough Funeral Chapel in Libertyville published the obituary on September 29, stating that Scanlon died peacefully on September 25 at age 24.
The published obituary does not state a cause of death. No cause should therefore be inferred from his age, background or other details surrounding his death.
Funeral arrangements have been announced. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 2, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Gurnee. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at 9:30 a.m. at the same church, with interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.
Who Was Ryan Scanlon?
Ryan J. Scanlon was a Gurnee, Illinois, resident whose life combined competitive baseball, education, career preparation and close family relationships. His obituary describes him as a standout athlete who developed a strong reputation as a pitcher before continuing his baseball career at Carthage College.
Outside baseball, Scanlon enjoyed a wide range of sports and worked for years as a caddy at the Merit Club. According to his obituary, that job gave him lasting friendships and many important memories.
He was also focused on building a career in sports management. His recent education and employment reflected his desire to remain connected to the sports industry after his college playing days ended.
Ryan Scanlon’s Baseball Career
Baseball was a central part of Scanlon’s life from his high school years through college. At Warren Township High School, he developed into a decorated pitcher before moving on to Carthage College.
At Carthage, Scanlon continued competing as a pitcher and eventually received one of the conference’s top individual honors. In 2025, he was named CCIW Conference Pitcher of the Year, recognizing his performance in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
His commitment to the sport remained strong even while he was studying abroad. His obituary recalls that during a two-week trip to Spain, he returned home early so he could pitch in his final college game. He delivered a shutout in that appearance, giving his playing career a memorable final performance.
Education and Sports Management
Scanlon earned his bachelor’s degree from Carthage College as a double major. He later completed a master’s degree in Sports Management, preparing himself for professional work within the sports industry.
A professional social-media profile attributed to Scanlon also described his completion of a master’s degree in business with a Sports Management focus at Carthage. The profile highlighted international consulting work involving sports-related organizations and businesses.
His education therefore extended beyond his experience as an athlete. He was developing business and management skills that could be used in a professional sports career.
Career After College
At the time of his death, Scanlon had recently completed his first year of professional employment with Champro, a company associated with sports equipment and apparel. His obituary identifies this as the beginning of his post-college career.
The transition from college baseball to sports-industry employment reflected his continued connection to athletics. His education in Sports Management gave him an academic foundation for that career path.
Family and Personal Life
According to the obituary, family was one of the most important parts of Scanlon’s life. He is survived by his parents, Suzanne and Matt; his younger sister, Ashley; his longtime girlfriend, Hannah Poff; his grandmother, Doreen Scanlon; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The obituary describes Scanlon as a protective older brother who took his relationship with Ashley seriously. His family remembered him not only for his accomplishments but also for the way he cared for the people closest to him.
Scanlon met Hannah Poff during his first week at college. The obituary says the couple developed a deep relationship and were enthusiastically planning their future together.
Ryan Scanlon Remembered for His Personality
While Scanlon’s baseball achievements feature prominently in his obituary, his family also emphasized his personality. He was described as having a strong presence, warmth, kindness and a quick sense of humor that helped people feel comfortable around him.
His obituary also describes him as grounded in his faith and someone who brought happiness and comfort to people around him. Those personal qualities are part of the legacy his family and friends are now remembering.
Tributes reported after his death similarly focused on his smile, humor, kindness and close relationships. His girlfriend Hannah remembered him as her best friend and biggest supporter.
Ryan Scanlon’s Parents and Siblings
Ryan Scanlon was the son of Suzanne and Matt Scanlon. His sister Ashley survives him, along with his grandmother Doreen Scanlon and members of his extended family.
His obituary also identifies several grandparents who preceded him in death: Mary Ann and Richard Starkey and John Scanlon.
Cause of Death
The published obituary says Ryan Scanlon passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, but it does not provide a cause of death. At this time, no reliable source reviewed for this article establishes a medical cause.
Because no official cause has been released in the obituary, reports or social-media claims suggesting a particular medical condition, accident or other circumstance should not be presented as fact.
Ryan Scanlon Funeral and Visitation
Ryan Scanlon’s family has announced his funeral arrangements through McMurrough Funeral Chapel. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, Illinois.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.
The services provide an opportunity for relatives, friends, former teammates, classmates and members of the wider Gurnee community to remember Scanlon and support his family.
Quick Facts About Ryan Scanlon
| Full Name | Ryan J. Scanlon |
|---|---|
| Age | 24 |
| Residence | Gurnee, Illinois |
| Date of Death | September 25, 2026 |
| Cause of Death | Not disclosed in the published obituary |
| High School | Warren Township High School |
| College | Carthage College |
| Major Achievement | 2025 CCIW Conference Pitcher of the Year |
| Graduate Degree | Master’s degree in Sports Management |
| Recent Employer | Champro |
| Parents | Suzanne and Matt Scanlon |
| Sister | Ashley |
| Longtime Girlfriend | Hannah Poff |
| Visitation | October 2, 2026, 4–7 p.m. |
| Funeral Mass | October 3, 2026, 9:30 a.m. |
| Burial | Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville |
Reader Questions
Who was Ryan Scanlon?
Ryan J. Scanlon was a 24-year-old Gurnee, Illinois, resident and accomplished baseball pitcher. He played at Warren Township High School and Carthage College and was named CCIW Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2025.
When did Ryan Scanlon die?
Ryan Scanlon died peacefully on September 25, 2026, according to his published obituary. He was 24 years old.
What was Ryan Scanlon’s cause of death?
The cause of death has not been disclosed in his published obituary. No verified cause should be inferred from the available information.
Where did Ryan Scanlon play baseball?
Scanlon played baseball at Warren Township High School before continuing his college career at Carthage College. He was a decorated pitcher and won the 2025 CCIW Conference Pitcher of the Year award.
Who were Ryan Scanlon’s parents?
Ryan Scanlon was the son of Suzanne and Matt Scanlon. His sister Ashley and grandmother Doreen Scanlon also survive him.
Who was Ryan Scanlon’s girlfriend?
His longtime girlfriend was Hannah Poff. The obituary says they met during his first week at college and were planning their future together.
When is Ryan Scanlon’s funeral?
His Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Gurnee. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.
When is Ryan Scanlon’s visitation?
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 2, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Gurnee.
What did Ryan Scanlon study?
Scanlon earned his bachelor’s degree as a double major at Carthage College and later completed a master’s degree in Sports Management. His professional interests included sports business and management.
Wrap-Up
Ryan J. Scanlon’s obituary describes a young man whose life was shaped by baseball, education, family and a growing career in the sports industry. At only 24, he had already achieved significant recognition as a pitcher and had begun building a professional future after completing his graduate studies.
His 2025 CCIW Conference Pitcher of the Year honor marked a major achievement in his athletic career, while his master’s degree in Sports Management reflected his plans beyond the baseball field. His work with Champro represented the beginning of that next professional chapter.
For his family and friends, however, his obituary emphasizes that Ryan was much more than his athletic accomplishments. He was a devoted son, protective brother, loving partner, loyal friend and person remembered for his humor and kindness.
His final college baseball appearance also remains a memorable part of his story. After returning early from a study-abroad trip in Spain to pitch in his last college game, he delivered a shutout performance.
Ryan Scanlon’s family will receive friends at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church on October 2, followed by his funeral Mass the next morning. He will then be laid to rest at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the published obituary and current reporting available as of September 29, 2026. The obituary confirms Ryan J. Scanlon’s death at age 24 and provides his family, education, athletic and funeral information. It does not disclose a cause of death, so no cause has been inferred or presented as fact.
