George Thomas Ryan Jr.

After a long and courageous battle against an insidious infection that resulted in multiple surgeries and the amputation of his right leg, George ran into his Lord and Savior’s arms on November 28, 2022. Throughout the long medical battle his faith never faltered and his enduring sense of humor never failed. He touched many lives, even from a hospital bed.

George was born in New Castle, PA and grew up loving all sports. He played football in high school, however suffered a football ending injury. After high school, George was drafted into the US Army and served on the frontlines in Korea. Pending his discharge from the army, George was stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he met the love of his life, MaryAnn who was a nursing student there. The couple married and started a family. George returned to college on the GI Bill earning his teaching degree at Youngstown College in Youngstown, Ohio. Mary Ann began to miss her family in Western Colorado so George secured a teaching position with District 51 in Grand Junction, Colorado where he taught Social Studies and was an assistant football coach for many years. George then took a position as an insurance adjuster, however his love and commitment to education and sports continued. He served District 51 school board for one year and served as a CHSAA Track and Field official for five decades.

Throughout his 90 years of life, George gave more than he received. It gave him great joy to give his time and efforts to mentor the athletes and students of District 51. His generosity was felt by his family and all that new him.

George was a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mary Ann, his wife of 61 years, passed away in 2017.

The family is forever grateful for the wonderful care George received at the Grand Junction VA Community Living Center.

A military memorial service is planned for March 3, 2023.