Life Story for
Donald L. Ryan
West Sand Lake-Donald L. Ryan passed away on Friday August 3, 2018. He was born in Cambridge, MA and was son of the late Michael and Alice Marqouille Ryan.
Donald attended Boston College High school where he developed a love for books and literature, leading him to a career as an academic librarian. He obtained a bachelor's degree in English from Harvard. He continued his education, obtaining a master's in Library Science from Columbia University. Donald then served his country during the Korean war. Upon his return, Donald started his career at the University of Michigan and progressed on to Rutgers, University Of Newfoundland at St. John's, Toronto University, and finished his career retiring as Director of Libraries of Russell Sage College after over twenty years.
Donald was predeceased by his first wife Contance VanKirk Ryan, son Paul and daughter Katherine, and step-son John Kelley. He is survived by his wife Joan Creech Kelley Ryan, son Steve, daughters Elizabeth Ryan and Eileen Ryan and step-son James Kelley, grandchildren Rebecca Ryan, Aiden Kelley, Keara Kelley and Jacob Kelley. He kept in touch with his long-time friend and also retired Sage colleague Arthur Young for all these years. Most importantly, he was a loyal and devoted Boston Red Sox fan. A Funeral Mass will be offered Tuesday morning at St. Henry’s Church Averill Park at 11:00. All are welcome to attend. Calling will be Tuesday morning at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the funeral mass. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery East Greenbush. In memory of Don, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice, or to St. Henry's Community, PO Box 550, Averill Park, NY 12018.
