William Ryan

WILLIAM FRANCIS RYAN, aged 79 years, retired Professor of History and Dean of Arts and Sciences at John Carroll University, beloved husband for 49 years to Jeanne (nee Cavaroc), dear father of Lt. Col. Michael C., U.S.A., Christopher T. (wife Marissa), Megan R. Kelly (husband Stephen) and Eileen R. Ewen (husband Stephen), loving grandfather of Stephanie and Matthew Kelly, and Gabriel, Mercedes, Maeve and Guinevere Ewen, devoted son of the late Maximillian and Anna (nee Maguire), cherished brother of Richard (deceased), Gerald, John and Gregory, fond uncle and great-uncle.

William Francis Ryan, retired associate professor and administrator at John Carroll University, passed away on Tuesday, March 18. Dr. Ryan served as Dean of Arts & Sciences at John Carroll University from 1983-1988. In 1988, he became Director of the Institute of Humanities and Director of the Master of Arts in Humanities Program until his retirement in 2008. Under his leadership the program grew into a premier interdisciplinary course of study that impacted the intellectual and professional lives of many students.

In addition, the Institute of Humanities presented for many years the Humanities Lecture Series and Colloquia. Offered twice a year, each lecture series explored a single topic from the past, ranging from Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as modern times. Featuring prominent scholars from around the country as well as John Carroll University faculty, the lecture programs explored topics in depth, seeking to understand how events and decisions of the past have influenced contemporary culture. Unfolding over consecutive weeks, the lectures invited engaged participation in the form of readings, presentations, and discussion of topics. Dr. Ryan organized and moderated the lectures, which were well-attended over the years by diverse constituencies throughout the Greater Cleveland area.

Beginning in 2005, Dr. Ryan created a unique series of summer workshops exploring “The Catholic Past,” which provided high school teachers with an intensive week long program of readings, discussions, and site visits. The goal of the “Catholic Past” workshops was to critically explore ethically challenging and controversial aspects of Church history in order to prepare teachers to effectively integrate such topics into their classrooms.

Dr. Ryan was also a tenured Associate Professor of History teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in modern European history, Irish history, and World War II America. His committed and inspiring work as a teacher and administrator had an impact on countless undergraduate and graduate students, and instilled in many a passion for the study of History and the Humanities.

Dr. Ryan’s family welcomes donations to John Carroll University to establish a fund that will support scholarship in the Humanities. Contributions can be sent to John Carroll University, 1 John Carroll Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118 (place William Francis Ryan on memo line).

Relatives and friends are requested to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 22, 2014, in St. Ann Catholic Church of Communion of Saints Parish at 10:00 AM. Burial following with Military Honors in Lake View Cemetery. The family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Bill at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) on FRIDAY from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.