Dr. Edward F. J. Ryan, 82, of Marysville, died Sunday, September 12, 2021.
He was born March 19, 1939 in Aurora, Illinois to the late Howard and Margaret Ryan. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 22 years, Joyce Turnpaugh. He married Nancy Little on June 23, 1984 in Marysville.
Dr. Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College, Master’s Degree from Indiana University and Doctorate from Ball State University. He was employed with several school districts in Indiana before coming to Michigan to work with the St. Clair County Intermediate School District (RESA) as the first principal of the Woodland Developmental Center and later became Assistant Director of Special Education, retiring on June 30, 2002 after 26 years of service. He later taught classes at S.C.C.C.C. and was a respected leader in early childhood and special education. His philosophy was children first, parents second, staff third and administration last.
Ed was a eucharistic minister and lay reader in the Episcopal Church and also served on the Vestry, Blue Water Convocation and was a representative to several Diocesan conventions. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, visiting Florida, and going on cruises.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy; eight children, Sean (Deborah) Ryan, Mike (Beth) Ryan, Dan (Stephanie) Ryan, Dave (Tracie) Little, Doug (Kathy) Little, Suzie (Ed) Pawlowski, Dan (Denise Bruneau) Little and JP (Kristin) Little; and grandchildren, Abby, Tara, Andrea, Joseph, Allison, Michael, Dana, Ethan, Owen, Chase, Patrick, Sean, Eleanor and Ariel. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher.
Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2021 in the Marysville Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 20, 2021 in the Marysville Funeral Home. The Reverend Tracie Little will officiate.
Inurnment will be in Riverlawn Cemetery Columbarium, Marysville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy or American Diabetes. To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com
