William John Ryan, of Elkton, MD, passed away peacefully on March 9th, 2025. Born on
November 21st, 1931, to the late William and Helen Ryan (née McNamee), Bill lived a life full of passion and dedication.

Dr. Bill proudly served in the US Army, where he discovered his lifelong love for film, media,
and teaching while in the Signal Corps. His academic journey took him to the Buffalo State
University, Syracuse University, and ultimately to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he
earned his doctorate.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bill touched countless lives, from high school to college, and at
various institutions, always striving to broaden horizons and enrich experiences through
instructional media.

Many knew Bill for his deep passion for golf, earning 4 holes in one, but his interests were vast.
He was an avid member of several car clubs and loved tinkering with any device he could get
his hands on. His unique blend of technology, tools, and techniques allowed him to customize
golf clubs, grips, and other paraphernalia, bringing joy to many. He was an active ham radio
operator and had over 40 years of service with the Military Affiliate Radio Service (MARS).

 

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Eleanor Finegan Ryan; his former wife, Joann
Gail Ryan the mother of his devoted children, William Joseph Ryan (Amy) of Louisville, KY,
and Patrick Michael Ryan (Jackie) of Troy, NY; and his cherished grandchildren, Rachel Erin
Ryan of Columbus, OH, and Haley Ann Ryan of Davenport, IA. He was preceded in death by
his parents and his beloved sister, Helen Ann Ryan.

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A visitation will be held at A.B. O'Donnell Cremations & Funeral Services at 4 Warner Road Suite E, Elkton, MD, 21921  on Wednesday evening, March 12, 2025, from 5:30PM- 7:30PM.

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A mass honoring Williams life will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, begining at10:30AM at Saint Agnes Parish, 233 W Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380. Burial to follow at Saint Agnes Cemetery, 1050 Pottstown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380

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In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in William's name to an organization he supported and was helped by,  Mended Hearts, a nationwide resource and peer-to-peer support network for all cardiovascular patients and their families affected by heart Disease across the lifespan.