Donald F Ryan

Donald Francis Ryan passed away on September 20, 2017. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 1, 1933, and was the son of the late John J. and Henrietta Rapp Ryan. Mr. Ryan served for 26 years (1952-1978) in the U.S. Air Force at numerous locations including Langley Air Force Base, Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam. Throughout his service, Mr. Ryan was recognized with numerous awards including the Bronze Star, Korean Service, National Defense Service, and United Nations Service Medals. After his U.S. Air Force career, he worked for over 12 years at the Department of Navy, Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, until his retirement. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hampton. He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife of 58 years, his children, and grandchildren. Mr. Ryan was a man of strong character, integrity, honor, and courage, and he loved his family and country.

He is survived by his wife Maria Cruz and 6 children: Mary Robinson and husband Chris of Toano, Patrick Ryan and wife Delores of Hampton, Christine Williams and husband Wayne of Poquoson, Richard Ryan and wife Lisa of Yorktown, Dolores Saetre of Hampton and James Ryan of Toano; his sister, Sister Corita Marie Ryan of NY; and 9 grandchildren: Jenna, Tyler, Patrick, Mallory, Brittany, Meredith, Emily, Megan, and Mason. Mr. Ryan was predeceased by his brothers Charles E., John J., and sister Marilyn Ryan.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 26, 11 AM, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton, VA, with burial to follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday, September 23, 5-7 PM, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.