Died September 7, 2020, five days short of his 92nd birthday.
Lived in Fair Haven, Mass. until high school when moved to Amherst, NY
Graduated from Park School of Buffalo in 1946 and was inducted into the Park athletic hall of
fame. He was the last surviving member of his class. Graduated Wesleyan University in 1950.
Married Elizabeth (Betty) Golden and joined the Air Force after college. In the service he learned Russian and worked as an interpreter at NSA, leaving as a captain.
Returning to Buffalo, Al went to work for New York Telephone where he was the manager of
business services throughout the 716 area code.
Al and Betty were the parents of seven children and foster parents of about 100, mostly infants, until they were adopted. He was a Cub Scout leader, won a Gateway Award and they were
given a lifetime PTA achievement award. Al was active at Amherst Lutheran Church and was president of the congregation for four years.
Elected to the Village Board in Williamsville before the development of Glen Falls Park. He was instrumental in the purchase of the land and development of the park on the old site of the Glen Fans Casino.
Elected to the Williamsville School board in 1967 and served as the president from 1969
through 1971, during school bussing controversies. Al married Lucy Reynolds Tesluk in 1994 and they joined Westminster Presbyterian Church
where he originated an adult study program, Understanding Islam, in 2002, to address
lslamaphobia. The program, a month-long series of books, speakers and events (Walk and
Tent of Abraham), was held for 13 consecutive years.
Active with Voice Buffalo in the late 1990s and was given their Nehemiah award.
A son, John Ryan (Ellen Holmes) and brother (Ronald) predeceased.
Survived by wife, Lucy Ryan and former wife, Elizabeth Ryan.
Survived by sons: James (Jane), Christopher and David;
Daughters: Mary Zimmerman, Elizabeth (James) Murray and Martha Hunt;
Two stepsons: Paul Tesluk (Megan Hurley) and Christopher Tesluk (Brockett Horne);
Eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren and four step
grandchildren. There will be no prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date to be announced. If desired, contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the American Civil Liberties Union.
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