Obituary of Lt. Col. Donald E. Ryan, Ret.

Montana- Lt. Col. Donald E. Ryan, Ret., formerly of Bradenton Fl., and Niskayuna, NY, beloved husband of 58 years to the late Louise Emma Hall, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his daughter Anne's home on Thursday July 17, 2014. Born and educated in Troy, he was the son of the late James J. and Clara B. (Turner) Ryan. His mother was a direct descendant of James Turner who was a veteran of the French & Indian war and fought at the Battle of Lake George in 1758-59. James Tuner was also the first settler of Salem, NY in 1761. Col. Ryan was a graduate of Lansingburgh High School and the University of Maryland. He began his military service with Regimental Headquarters Company, 105th Infantry in Troy. Commissioned a 2nd Lt. at Ft. Benning, Ga. in 1942. He saw combat service with the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Div. in the Southwest Pacific area. Following WWII, he served as Commanding Officer HQS Co., 105th Infantry, N.Y. N.Y. in 1947 prior to returning to active service. In 1950-1951 he served in Korea as a counterintelligence officer with the 1st Calvary Division. A combat veteran of Eight Campaigns in WWII & Korea, he was awarded the Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and a Bronze arrowhead for a beachhead assault landing. He was also the recipient of the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation & the NY State Conspicuous Service Cross. Col. Ryan retired from the Army in 1964 after serving as Deputy Director, Dept. of Counterintelligence, Ft. Holabird, MD., where he authored a chapter of Counterespionage Operations for the Counterintelligence Field Manual. He was later employed at the Watervliet Arsenal as a Foreign Intelligence Officer, retiring in 1980 after 16 years of service. Col. Ryan was active in community affairs serving successively in Little League, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle & Connie Mack Baseball as Manager & Board Member for 20 yrs. He was also a charter member and director of the Army Counterintelligence Corps. and Veterans Association. He was a communicant of the former St. Helen's Church and served as an usher for over 30 years. Survivors are his loving children, Anne R. (David) Mahoney of Montana, Susan R. (John) Dickey of Ohio, Patricia E. (Paul Coats) Ryan of Montana, Donald E. (Sue) Ryan Jr. of California and Maureen M. Ryan of Arizona as well as 8 cherished grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by his daughter Kathleen R. Ryan. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday July 24, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. til 7:00 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham Don's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday July 25, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church 1801 Union Street Schenectady. Interment with full military honors will take place at the Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org/donate in memory of Lt. Col. Donald E. Ryan would be appreciated. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com