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Patrick Ryan

Obituary of Patrick J. Ryan

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Patrick Ryan of Cortland passed away on January 12, 2025 at home with his family by his side. Pat was born on February 3, 1940 to Bernard and Frances Innes Ryan. He graduated from St Mary's High School in 1958, married his high school sweetheart, Bev, in 1959 and graduated from SUNY Cortland in 1962. He received his Masters Degree in 1963 from Penn State, and did his doctoral work at SUNY Buffalo. Pat was Director of the Student Union and later Director of Student Activities at SUNY Brockport. In 1969 he accepted a position as student counselor at Tompkins Cortland Community College. He soon found his calling as a psychology professor. Pat taught at TC3 for 34 years and was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. He was a coach, mentor, and teacher inside and outside of the classroom who thrived on becoming an expert in his latest passion and sharing his knowledge with others. Pat loved to be outdoors: hunting with his camera at Mt. Toppin, skiing, hiking and camping. He and Bev loved to travel. They visited all 50 states, took several cruises, and made multiple trips to Europe. Pat's lifelong love of skiing began as an instructor for the first ski school at Greek Peak, which recently dedicated a chair to him. In later years, he founded the Old Geezers Ski Group at Greek Peak. Soon the YMCA will reinstate the Pat Ryan Self Challenge Series, a concept he originated in the 1980s. The slogan was “To Finish is to Win.” Pat had a book and tape series, “The Science of Personal Growth,” published by Nightingale Conant. He was a lifelong learner and avid reader. Pat was a past volunteer for the Youth Bureau and Cortland Hospital. More recently he was treasurer for the Cortland Community Foundation, drove for the VA and was a Red Cross courier. Pat is survived by his wife, Bev. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children, Mark (Michelle) Ryan, Robyn (Dana) LaVoie, and Christopher (Michelle) Ryan; his 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; sisters Christine (Bob) Applegate and Mary Anne (Rob) McCloskey; brother Edward (Cindy) Ryan; and brother-in-law Ted Weldon. Pat was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Kim Ryan Leonard, his brother, Tom Ryan, and his sister, Keeney Weldon. A mass will be held on Saturday, January 18 at St. Margaret's Church in Homer at 10:30 am. All are encouraged to join in a Celebration of Life at the Cortland Elk's Club from 11:30-2:00. A private burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Cortland YMCA (c/o Pat Ryan Self Challenge Series) or Hospice Foundation of Cortland. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com
Saturday
18
January

Funeral Service

10:30 am
Saturday, January 18, 2025
St. Margaret's Church Homer
14 Copeland Ave
Homer, New York, United States
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Patrick Ryan

In Loving Memory

Patrick Ryan

1940 - 2025

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