Deceased: 2014-01-19
Diocese: SACRAMENTO
Seminary Graduation Year: 1942
Rev. Lawrence A. Ryan, M.A., Ph.D. Went to God January 19, 2012 in Sacramento. Born March 30, 1916, St. Paul, Minn., fourth son and seventh child of James and Mary Ellen Ryan. Attended St. Patrick’s seminaries; North American College of Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. He was ordained in 1942 and enrolled in The Catholic University, Washington, D.C., earning his Master’s Degree in English. He Taught English at Serra High School, San Mateo and Marin Catholic High School (1946-51). Completed his Doctorate at Stanford 1955. He was the Principal at Marin Catholic High School (1955-1959), and served as pastor at St. Mary’s Church, Vacaville, 1959-82. In retirement he lived in Santa Cruz (1982-2002), then Sacramento. He was the last surviving member of a family that included sisters Mary Catherine (Sheehan) and Alice Elinor (Ashton) and brothers John, Robert and the Rev. Francis Ryan. Fr. Ryan leaves dozens of nieces and nephews. Visitation from 5-8 with Vigil at 7:30 p.m. January 25 at McCune Garden Chapel, 212 Main St., Vacaville. The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be officiated by Bishop Jaime Soto at 10:30 a.m. January 26 at St. Mary’s Church Vacaville. Interment at Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery. Donations to Retired Priests’ Fund, 2110 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818 or favorite charity