We are sad to announce the passing of Ryan Sersland, 41, of Wilmington, North Carolina. Ryan passed away October 2, 2023, after a short battle with an unexpected illness at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC.

Ryan was born on October 17, 1981, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ryan spent his formative years between Massachusetts and North Carolina. Ryan was especially close with the women in his life; his mother, Christine Garcia, grandmother's, Lydia Garcia & Nancy Berger, and sister Elizabeth Adams who helped shape the man he became.

While his family and friends are shocked by his passing, they are thankful for his part in their lives. Ryan was that person you just wanted to know. His friends were not just friends, they were family. He was never a tourist, always a local, but do not take that to mean he was not well traveled. He was a fisherman and skateboarder, a proud dog dad, a Hardcore and music enthusiast, a builder from houses to picture frames and knew more about musicals than you ever wanted to know. His stories like passions, were expansive, unexpected and sometimes closer to fiction. But anyone who really knew him was probably involved in at least one of those stories… Much like the time he almost started a riot but his Dad was there to save the day.

Ryan met Heather; his best friend, other half & wife in 2009 on a blind date in Northern, VA. They both felt that special spark from the first date. Though he sometimes joked it took her longer to realize it. (He embraced her family as his own from the beginning.)  They were married on May 17, 2014 in Wilmington NC and were proud Dog Parents to multiple fur babies over the years.

Ryan is survived by his wife Heather Sersland, mother Christine Garcia, father David Garcia, sister Elizabeth Adams (husband, Benjamin Adams), maternal grandmother Nancy Berger. His mother-in-law JoAnn Wright, sisters-in-law MayB Sersland, Samantha Wright, and C.C. Sersland. His nephews Cal Adams, James Sersland, Michael Sersland and Christopher Seip (wife, Gabby Seip) and nieces Josie Adams, Tylyn Sersland, and Samantha Seip-Bayes (husband, Ryan Seip-Bayes). And a loving Aunt & Uncle and Cousins.

Ryan is preceded by his dear friend Doug Allen, his maternal grandfather Ronald Berger, paternal grandmother Lydia Garcia, father-in-law Micheal Wright, sister-in-law Kristene Whiting and nephew Steven Whiting.

In lieu of a traditional funeral service we will be celebrating Ryan's life with an Irish style Wake. Please join us at Greenfield Lake Park on Saturday between 2 pm – 4 pm. Light fare provided, bring your preferred beverage. Bring your skateboard, favorite mix tape and share a story or two. Let's give Ryan the sendoff he so richly deserves!