Ryan Man, Former Community Leader Dies in Crash

A Ryan man and former community leader was killed in a crash near Anamosa on Saturday.

96-year old Maurice Hennessey died in the accident just before 3:30 pm Saturday in the 17000-block of Newport Road. 

The Iowa State Patrol says preliminary roadway evidence indicates Hennessey was driving on the wrong side of the road when his car went into the ditch, hit a road sign, crossed the road and struck a tree. His car was found on fire. 

Hennessey had once served his community as the mayor of Ryan, as well as a city council member. He was also elected to the Iowa Statehouse in the mid-1970’s and served as the Delaware County Crime Commission Project Director.

Funeral Mass for Hennessey will be held Friday, May 17th at 11 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan.