Donald
Jay
Ryan
Obituary
Donald Jay Ryan, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully, on June 17, 2024, at his home. He was born on 08/04/1941 to Marvin and Catherine Ryan of New Haven. After high school, Don entered the US Air Force where he served for four years. Once discharged, he attended the University of St. Francis where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. As a man of Faith, he wanted to serve God in his community. To do this, he sought out a teaching position at Central Catholic High School. After 2 years at CC, he accepted a teaching position at Bishop Dwenger High School, a position he held for 33 years as a teacher in the business department. He continued as a substitute teacher at BDHS for 13 more years. He coached both tennis and golf while at BDHS and served as the videographer for the athletic programs. In his retirement, he enjoyed birdwatching, gardening, canoeing, camping in many National Parks, golfing, and driving his grandchildren around on the tractor. Donald was preceded in death by Marvin Ryan (father), Catherine Ryan (mother), William Ryan (brother). He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Martha (Marty) Ryan (Lapp), his children: Casey (Margaret) Ryan, Kelly (Colin) Daseler; 11 grandchildren, Isaiah, Olivia, Monica, Lucy, Mary, Stephen, Raymond, Augustine, Ava, Henry, Leah; and brother Thomas of Hawaii. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30am, Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church 1500 West State St Fort Wayne, Indiana. Prayers will be recited at 9:45am Tuesday, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home prior to the funeral mass. Visitation will be held Monday, June 24, 2024, from 2-4 and 5-7pm, with the Rosary recited at 3:30pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery.
Services
Divine Mercy Funeral Home
Divine Mercy Funeral Home
Divine Mercy Funeral Home
Divine Mercy Funeral Home
Queen of Angels Catholic Church
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to Bishop Dwenger High School or Stillwater Hospice. To sign the online guest book, go to www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
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Marty, I am so sorry for your loss. I think of you often and will pray for you and your family. God Bless you!
So sorry for your loss.
Mr Ryan was my home room teacher at CCHS. He was such a kind man. May he rest in peace.
Marty and family,
So sorry for your lost. Don was always such a a happy guy, I always enjoyed being around him. Love to you all
Hey Donald you are the longest friendship I have ever had. 59 years starting at St. Francis College in 1965. I cannot count all the miles in Indiana we covered bird watching, canoeing, hiking and burritos at Taco Bell and I drove, always. About those years we ran into Andy Johns, Fred Tone, Larry Windmiller and more – Sigma Lambda. I could go on for hours but who’s listening? Bless you and your family. Mike “big crow” Blackburn
“Donnie Ryan” as I knew him had a huge impact on my life. As a child our families spent a lot of time together. We camped, canoed and spent so many weekends together. Donnie taught me about birds, constellations and being a responsible camper..he even introduced me to the Oregon Trail video game. He taught me so much. Having known Donnie, mafe me a better human. Thank you Donnie!
Mr. Ryan was always the substitute teacher we wanted when at Bishop Dwenger! Prayers with his whole family.
so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing! I taught with Don in the business department around 1995. I have many fond memories of Don, his patience & willing to help as needed. Dwenger lost another great teacher!
Don is in my prayers for his soul to rest in peace! Blessings to his wife & family!
Gloria Field
Our deepest sympathies from the Osenga family
I am so sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorites at BDHS and his smile was infectious. Your family is in my prayers and may he rest in peace.