Donald Robert Ryan

Donald Robert RyanJun 20, 1934 - Jun 3, 2017Resident of San JoseA third generation San Josean, Don passed away on June 3, 2017 at age 82 from complications following surgery. Don was the son of the late Thomas P. Ryan and the late Aileen McKagney Bernal. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas P. Ryan, sister-in-law Barbara Ryan, and sister, Aileen Brodsky. Don was the devoted husband of 55 years to Missy Ryan, and the loving father of Kelly Ryan Burns (Jim) and Katherine Ryan Boennighausen (Michael). The joys of his life were grandchildren Ryan and Caitlin Burns, and Matthew, Christopher, and Jack Boennighausen. He was a devoted uncle to Kathey Ryan LaBolle, Kevin Ryan, Jane Bernstein, and Barbara Brodsky. As a young man, Don was active in the Boy Scouts, rising to the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Bellarmine College Prep where he served as Student Body President. He went on to earn BA and Master's Degrees from San Jose State University, where he also served as ASB President. Don was a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and continued his involvement with ATO as an alumnus. Don, a 38-year employee of San Jose State University, was the founding director of the Student Financial Aid Program. He was active in the California, Western, and National Associations of Financial Aid Administrators and served as president of all three organizations. After retirement, Don enjoyed golf, gardening, and volunteering for Chaplin Services at O'Connor Hospital.A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 8, 6:00 P.M. at Bellarmine College Prep Leontyne Chapel. Donations in honor of Don may be directed to Bellarmine College Prep, 960 W. Hedding, SJ, 95126 or to the Donald R. Ryan Associated Students Endowment at SJSU, One Washington Square, SJ 95192-0257. View the online memorial for Donald Robert Ryan