John Henry (Jack) Ryan

October 11, 1930 - February 16, 2017
John Henry (Jack) Ryan

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John Henry (Jack) Ryan, 86, of Hendersonville, passed away Thursday, February 16, at his home following a short illness. A native of Detroit, MI, he had been a resident of Hendersonville for over 20 years. He received his bachelor of science degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX and his master’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago. Jack loved science and astronomy and taught in private Catholic schools in Cleveland, OH, Louisville, KY and Birmingham, MI. He also taught at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI, was the first director of the Detroit Science Center and had served as president of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. Jack was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Hendersonville Daybreak Lions Club. He had been a volunteer at Pardee Hospital for many years and loved to travel. Jack is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gretchen Ryan; two stepsons, John Chestnut of Redford, MI and David Chestnut of Hendersonville; his brother, Pat Ryan of Kissimmee, FL; two nieces and one nephew. A memorial mass will be celebrated 10 am Monday, March 13, in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Church. Committal will take place in the columbarium of First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731.


Service

Monday, March 13, 2017
10:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Our Lady of Angels Chapel - Directions

Hendersonville, NC

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  • February 27, 2017
    Doug and Lauren Miller says:
    Doug and I will always remember going to Jack and Gretchen's home after the Christmas Eve Service at church each year when we all lived in Michigan. Jack was always so welcoming and truly interested in learning about what was going on in our lives. Those memories will be cherished forever. So very sorry for your loss, Gretchen. Sending you a hug and prayers for comfort. Doug, Lauren and family

  • February 27, 2017
    June and Bill Lowe says:
    Many happy memories of Jack and his smiling face. He will be missed by many friends and neighbors

  • March 09, 2017
    Warren Halper says:
    Jack was a loyal member of the Hendersonville Daybreak Lions Club and I will always remember Jack and Gretchen working in front of Walmart on Candy Days and working on our spaghetti suppers helping with set-up and clean-up. Diane and I send our condolences to the Ryan family. RIP

  • March 24, 2017
    Gary P. Novak says:
    I remember John as a great physics teacher at St Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He was always encouraging to kids and was an inspiration to all of his students. May he resting peace. Safe home, John.

  • March 24, 2017
    William Kane says:
    I am forever grateful for John Ryan's patience, inspiration and good humor as my SEHS physics and advanced math teacher. His leadership and encouragement as our debate team coach helped me overcome my natural shyness. Many thanks John! My condolences to his extended family.