Dr. Joseph E. Ryan, a resident of South Boston and former resident of Charlestown, died on Monday October 22, 2007 at Braintree Manor Nursing Home in Braintree following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.
Dr. Ryan was born in Charlestown on August 20, 1944. He grew up in Charlestown and attended Boston Public Schools. He graduated from Fitchburg State College in 1966. He recieved his Masters of Education Degree from Bridgewater State College in the 1970's and his Doctorate of Education from the University of Massachusetts in 1993. Dr. Ryan was a teacher, cross country and track coach in the Hingham Public Schools. He retired from the Hingham Public School system in 2004. He was an official for the Massachusetts Track and Field Association. An avid runner, Dr. Ryan ran over 100 marathons with his personal best time of 2:49. He also belonged to the "L" Street Running Club.
Dr. Ryan is the beloved son of the late Edward and Albina "Bea" Ryan. He is the beloved father of Joseph Ryan and his wife Carol, Michael Ryan and his wife Lisa all of Plymouth. He is the loving grandfather of Kathryn, Jennifer and Julia Ryan all of Plymouth. He is the beloved brother of Mary Barrett and her husband John of Portland, Maine. He is the loving uncle of Nancy Barrett of Merrimac, Ma.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours for Dr. Ryan on Thursday October 25, 2007 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. Dr. Ryan's Funeral Mass will be held on Friday October 26, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in The Paulist Center, 5 Park St. Boston. Cremation will follow his Funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in Dr. Ryan's name to The Dana Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St. Boston, Mass. 02115.