GLENS FALLS --- Ryan B. Van Amburgh, 44, passed away in his home following a long battle with mesothelioma, on Monday, December 25, 2023, with loved ones by his side.

Born July 13, 1979, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Paul and Mary (Francato) Van Amburgh.

Ryan graduated from Queensbury High School in 1997 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Empire State College. He was the founder and CEO of Career Jam which is a unique and immersive experience that inspires students, equips educators, supports employers, and empowers communities.

He married the one true love of his life, Aarika Marie Woolley, on June 8, 2002, in Schuylerville.

Ryan loved traveling.  Vacationing with his family on the Maine coast was his favorite. He enjoyed spending time on Lake George with his family and friends. He was a life-long New York Yankees fan, swimmer, and taught swim classes for several years at the YMCA. Ryan loved people and enjoyed gathering with friends and family.

Ryan was a member of  New Hope Community Church in Queensbury; served on the Board of Directors at the Open Door Mission in Glens Falls; Saratoga Warren Washington Counties Workforce Development Board; Board of Trustees for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Steering Committee of the Tech Valley Global Business Network/Center for Economic Growth;  Smart City Commission in the city of Saratoga Springs, and the Strategic Planning Committee at Augustine Classical Academy in Mechanicville. He volunteered in church for more than 12 years, befriending, leading, and discipling countless individuals.

Ryan was predeceased by his brother, Michael J. Van Amburgh who passed away in 2020.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Aarika Marie (Woolley) Van Amburgh; daughter, Sophie Grace Van Amburgh; son, Carter Paul Van Amburgh; parents, Paul and Mary (Francato) Van Amburgh; his bonus family: parents-in-law, Paul and Jane (Jordan) Woolley of Greenwich, and siblings-in-law, Paul M. and Megan Woolley of Schuylerville, and Brittany T. Woolley of Albany; nieces, Lily and Grace Woolley of Schuylerville; nephew, Nicolas Van Amburgh of Cary, North Carolina; cousin, Raeghan Cantiello, of Hudson Falls, who was like a bonus kid to Ryan; and his dear friends and "Support Squad" leaders, The Clems: Chad, Leah, Emily, Andrew, and Eliana; The Myles: Todd, Jessica, William, Elizabeth, and Katherine, and Nicole Reaulo. Ryan was beloved by many, especially a great big family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Ryan's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at New Hope Community Church, 454 Corinth Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804. There will be a gathering of fellowship following the celebration (location TBA).

In loving memory of Ryan, contributions may be made to the family's nonprofit organization which will help support Career Jam and further his vision, The Student First Project, Inc., 1252 Saratoga Rd., Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or securely through their website, https://rb.gy/y0ne9r .