McWILLIAMS
Ryan Patrick, age 38, on April 3, 2026, of Broomall, PA, formerly of Havertown, PA.
Survived by his wife, Tara (O’Brien) McWilliams, his parents, Lena (nee Belardo) and Stephen McWilliams, his sister, Christine Henzy (Patrick), his niece, Cecilia Grace, and his in-laws, Richard and Linda O’Brien and sister-in-law Jennifer O’Brien.
In addition to Ryan’s immeasurable love of his wife Tara, his dog Tilly, and his niece Cecilia, Ryan’s other love was classic cars, specifically hot rods. Ryan built two hot rods throughout his time battling cancer. Utilizing his strong engineering skills, his friends within the hobby, and his incredible drive, these two cars were built to perfection and brought him to many car shows around the Pennsylvania and New Jersey circuits. His first hot rod, his black #25 was built starting with simply a frame shipped to him from Colorado, some luck, much help from his father Stephen (Pops,) and a dream. Ryan raced, showed, and drove #25 everywhere, and was always out driving #25 on a nice day around Delco. Ryan’s passion for his craft brought him to the 2025 Race Of Gentlemen in Wildwood New Jersey where he was able to race his second build, his light blue #45 racer truck. Ryan (with help from Pops and Jon) meticulously hand built every single part of this vehicle, from a bespoke frame to precision detailed pinstripe style hand painted black flames. On the beach of Wildwood New Jersey, Ryan, in his truest form, won multiple races and enjoyed the long weekend celebrating with friends and family.
Ryan, along with his friend Jon Keesey founded the US chapter of Magnetos, Penna. Car Club. The Magnetos will hold a car show in Ryan’s honor on April 25.
Ryan’s enthusiasm for the hot rod community did not stop there, Ryan also created a YouTube channel: “The Hot Rod Workshop” where he would share details of his recent builds, hot rod maintenance, car shows, and much more. He hosted a community of 6.15K subscribers who fervently supported his expertise and precision to his craft.
Ryan’s determination to continue to build, race, and create within the hot rod community while fighting his diagnoses is a testament to his strong will, his love of family, and passion for his craft.
Relatives & friends are invited to his Visitation Saturday, April 11, 12:00 NOON – 1:45 PM followed by his Memorial Service 2:00 PM in the Main Chapel at the DAnjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. Inurnment Private. In Ryan’s honor, please bring your classic car or hot rod.
Contributions in Ryan’s memory may be made to Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine at https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=MC&fund=600499
ARR. DANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME
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