Seymour All-State QB Ryan Osiecki Dies at 36 After Brave Cancer Battle

A Legacy of Determination and Resilience

Ryan Osiecki’s journey as a football player was marked by an unyielding spirit that defined his character both on and off the field. His senior season at the University of New Haven was one of the most memorable in the program's history, showcasing not only his athletic talent but also his leadership and perseverance.

During a nationally televised game against Stonehill, the Chargers were trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter. Osiecki, who had been sidelined for the previous four games due to a shoulder injury, stepped onto the field with the team’s undefeated record on the line. In a remarkable display of determination, he led the Chargers to two touchdowns in the final seven minutes of the game. Both scores came on passes to receiver Jason Thompson, with the final one coming just six seconds before the end of the game.

Osiecki finished the game with five touchdowns and 316 yards passing, but what truly stood out was his refusal to give up. Pete Rossomando, who was the head coach during Osiecki’s four seasons at New Haven, described him as an incredible competitor who never made his team feel like they were out of the game. “You never felt like you were out of a game when he was your quarterback,” Rossomando said.

From Football to Life

Despite his passion for football, Osiecki’s path wasn’t always straightforward. After college, he faced the reality that playing in the NFL, like his father Sandy did in 1984 with the Kansas City Chiefs, wouldn’t happen. Rather than let this setback define him, Osiecki found other ways to make his family proud. He became a dedicated husband, father, and union iron worker, embodying the same strength and determination that characterized his football career.

Tragically, Osiecki faced his greatest challenge when he was diagnosed with cancer. After a 10-month battle, he passed away at Griffin Hospital at the age of 36. His father, Sandy, described the heartbreak of seeing his son struggle, but also praised his unwavering will to live. “He fought like a warrior. He didn’t want to talk about the alternative and dying. He just wanted to live,” Sandy said.

Early Years and Football Roots

Osiecki’s football journey began long before college. As a young athlete, he showed promise that caught the attention of coaches early on. In eighth grade, Seymour High’s Hall of Fame football coach Paul Sponheimer and his assistant, Bob Kelo, decided that Osiecki would be the Wildcats’ starting quarterback his freshman year. They saw in him the qualities of a leader and a natural talent.

Sponheimer recalled how Osiecki carried himself with confidence and maturity even as a teenager. “He had great arm strength like his father,” Sponheimer said. “In 8th grade, he already had a frame that was 6-foot-1, 6-2 and he topped out at 6-4 by the time he graduated. He just had football savvy, and in addition to his arm strength, he knew how to put touch on the ball.”

A Champion on the Field

After graduating from high school, Osiecki played a year at Milford Academy before joining the University of Louisville. However, he didn’t see much playing time there and chose to return home to help re-establish the University of New Haven football program, which had been dormant for five years.

At New Haven, Osiecki quickly became a standout player. He earned honorable mention All-American honors and became a key figure in the program’s resurgence. Rossomando praised his all-around abilities, calling him a “stud” with great arm strength, athleticism, and leadership. “He was super smart. He was a great competitor and an incredible leader,” Rossomando said.

Osiecki led the Chargers to three straight Northeast-10 conference championships in his final three years at New Haven. He was named the conference Player of the Year as a junior and left the program as its all-time leader in passing yards (9,572), touchdowns (91), and completions (754).

A Life Filled with Purpose

For Osiecki, football was more than just individual stats. His father emphasized that being a great teammate and achieving something meaningful with his teammates was what mattered most to him. “He just loved life,” Sandy said. “He was so proud to be an iron worker with such a tight-knit group at the Local 424, building bridges and all kind of stuff the last 4-5 years to help make America great again.”

Osiecki is survived by his wife, Jocelyn, and their son, Cooper, as well as his parents, Sandy and Mary, and his younger brothers, Michael and Jack. His legacy lives on through those who knew him, including his former coach, Paul Sponheimer, who hopes to one day tell Cooper about his father’s impact on football in Seymour.

A memorial service will be held at Spinelli Ricciuti Funeral Home in Ansonia, followed by a church service at Holy Rosary Church. Those who knew Osiecki remember him not just as a great athlete, but as a fighter who gave everything he had until the very end. “Ryan gave cancer all it could handle right to the end,” Rossomando said. “I promise you that.”