Michael James Ryan

Michael James Ryan, 84, passed away peacefully in his home on May 11, 2021 with family at his side. He was an eight year survivor of mantle cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Marcia and his children–Bob (Terri), Bill, and Marcy (Rahmin). He is also survived by four loving grandchildren–Austin, Hailey, Molly, and Rocco. Mike Ryan was born to Mary Catherine McCaull and William F. Ryan in 1936 in Washington DC. Predeceased in death by his brothers William Ryan, Edward Ryan, and sister Mary Dorothy Durkin. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A proud native Washingtonian, as a child he often played at Scott Circle and in the streets of Dupont Circle and was an altar server along with lifetime friend Bob Ryan. He was a member of the first graduating class at Archbishop Carroll High School, 55’. He was married at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the same church that his mother Mary, grandmother Molly, and daughter Marcy were also married. He built his own home in McLean, Virginia with his nephews’ help in 1973 on the land that his grandmother Molly bought in 1921. He moved into the home in 1980 and lived there for the remainder of his life. In 2013, after being diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma, he decided to build his daughter’s family a house next to his. Against all odds, with help from his son Bill, he finished the house and they moved in 2019. He was able to spend the last 2 years of his life next door to his grandchildren and see them daily. He was an army veteran before he became a master electrician and started M. J. Ryan Electrical Contracting Company. Later he went to work for AFL-CIO as their only building electrician before retiring. He was a proud member of the Local 26 IBEW for 60 years and a strong proponent of workers' rights. A memorial mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Friday May 21, 2021 at 1pm 905 Park Avenue Falls Church, Virginia 22046. Burial will follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery at 2:30pm, 3411 Arlington Blvd 22201. Reception will follow in Marcy Atarod’s backyard (approx. 3:30pm) at 6342 North Nottingham Street McLean, Virginia 22101. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to https://childrensnational.org/giving/give Children’s hospital held a special place in Mike’s heart after they took in his brother Billy when he was burnt.