Dr Donald F Ryan Phd

Donald F. Ryan PHD, 89, of 4 Valcour Blvd., Cliff Haven Plattsburgh, NY, passed away June 16, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born, one of nine children, in Syracuse, NY on July 24, 1930, son of the late William D. Ryan and the late Clara (Domres) Ryan. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing many sports including baseball and was recruited to attend spring training for the Boston Braves in 1948. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on 7/17/1951 to serve at Yakima, Washington at Fort Lawton during the Korean War as a corporal. He was honorably discharged from active duty on July 16, 1953. He remained in the Army Reserve until September 10th, 1959. He used the GI Bill to attend Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY where he earned his B.S. and then completed his Post Doctorate in Physics at Catholic University in Washington D.C.
During this time, he met the love of his life, Julia Mary McEntee. They were married on September 12, 1959 in Syracuse, NY. Together, they built a home, a family, and a life, moving from Washington D.C. to Plattsburgh, NY, in the summer of 1966 where he became a professor at SUNY Plattsburgh in the Physics Dept. and then later served as Chair of that department for many years. He retired in 1996. An active member of the Catholic Church throughout his life, he attended daily mass, joined the Knights of Columbus, supported many charities and served for years as a Hospice of the North Country volunteer. While he enjoyed his backyard gardening, bird watching and a good cup of coffee with friends, he loved physics, astronomy, his Catholic faith and most of all his family, he especially counted his grandchildren as God’s most wonderful blessings. He enjoyed playing and coaching baseball with his children when they were young, and he spent many hours sharing his deep awe and wonder of God’s universe with all his family whenever he had the chance.
Donald is survived by his seven children--Michael Ryan of Plattsburgh, NY, Gregory Ryan (Maureen Monaco) of Burlington, Mass., Patrick Ryan (Karin Bremer) of Oneonta, NY, Andrew Ryan (Jennifer Lu) of Atherton, CA., Frances Ryan (Kent Eldridge) of Plattsburgh, NY., Mary Michalak (Jim Michalak) of Hadley, Mass. and Matthew Ryan of Plattsburgh, as well as sixteen dearly-loved grandchildren: Savannah & Jacqueline Moore, Hannah, Kyra, Patrick, Margaret & Aidan Michalak, Gregory Jr., Robert, William, Thomas & Anna Ryan, Lucas Ryan McLean, Thomas & Jackson Ryan and Alix Bremer Ryan. Also, by his sisters-in-law, Jane Ryan, Patricia Hartung and Frances Peebles, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Julia, on May 29, 2005 as well as his parents and all his siblings.
In accordance with current restrictions, calling hours will be held at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh, NY from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 21st, 2020.
Similarly, a funeral mass and burial are planned for 10 a.m. on Monday, June 22nd at Our Lady of Victory Church and St. Peter’s Cemetery. Due to the pandemic face coverings and social distancing will be required.
A separate memorial mass will be planned for a later date. Donations to either St. Jude’s Children Hospital, The Wounded Warrior Project or Hospice of the North Country can be made in lieu of flowers in his memory.
He will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. Online condolences may be offered at wwww.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.