John Henry (Jack) Ryan

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

Gifts & Memorial Donations



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

Purchase Flowers

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


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

  • March 28, 2017
    JOHN DUFFY says:
    Deeply saddened to hear of John's passing; he taught me physics and math at St. Edward High School in Cleveland - a marvelous teacher. He was also a much-loved alumni director. It was he who suggested that I apply to teach there. I did, and stayed for 19 years. John had a winning personality; I have nothing but fond memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.