Date of death: 12/2/2011

Saint Meinrad Class: O 1945

Fr. Paul E. Ryan, S.M., 95, passed peacefully to eternal life. Born February 20, 1916 in Springfield, Massachusetts, he was the only child of William and Agnes Ryan. The family moved to Wichita, Kansas where he met the Marianist brothers and priests while attending Cathedral School. In 1930 he entered formation with the Society of Mary professing his first vows on August 15, 1933. After earning a B.A. in Latin from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, he began his teaching career at Central Catholic High School. He professed perpetual vows in August 1938. Fr. Ryan was ordained to the priesthood on February 2, 1945 after pursing studies in philosophy at the Catholic University of America and St. Meinrad’s Seminary. A teacher of Religion, Social Studies, English and Latin, he served in Marianist high schools in Detroit, St. Louis, and Victoria, Texas. Most notably were his years of service at McBride High School in St. Louis, MO. There he served as a chaplain, teacher, assistant principal and principal. He ministered at St. Mary’s University on two occasions first as university chaplain from 1957-1960 and later in 1972 for one year as interim director of Continuing Education before becoming Registrar in 1973 where he remained for thirteen years until his retirement in 1986. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 6 from 4 – 7 pm, rosary at 7 pm in the chapel of the Marianist Residence, St. Mary’s University. Mass of Resurrection celebrated at 4 pm on Wednesday, December 7 also at the Marianist Residence with interment in the Marianist Cemetery at St. Mary’s University. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marianist Province of the United States 4425 W. Pine Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108.