James R. Ryan

James Richard Ryan, 95, formerly of New Kensington died Saturday, January 27, 2024 at The Willows of Presbyterian Senior Care, Oakmont, PA.

He was born November 1, 1928, in Glassmere, PA the son of George and Anna (Pastucha) Ryan.

James married Sara M Kroffe on May 27, 1956. He lived in New Kensington for 50 years and spent his later years at the Village of St Barnabas, Gibsonia, PA, Lutheran Senior care in Mars, PA, and The Willows of Presbyterian Sr. Care, Oakmont, PA.

Mr. Ryan graduated from East Deer High School in 1946. In 1951, James graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy. 

Mr. Ryan was a staff sergeant and a senior pharmacy specialist with the US Air Force. James was honorably discharged and earned the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. On Memorial Day 2021, James was awarded the US Dept of Defense Atomic Veterans Service Certificate by fellow members of American Legion Richland Post 548.

Mr. Ryan was employed as a research scientist for Alcoa, Inc in Upper Burrell for over 25 years, and as a pharmacist for various retail pharmacies in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Mr. Ryan was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Tarentum where he loved to sing and help bake Christmas and Easter nutrolls.

For many years Mr. Ryan was a volunteer for the Boys Scouts of America, Disabled Veterans Association, and Civil Air Patrol. He loved his family, dancing to live music, playing the spoons, fishing, and hunting deer/geese. He also enjoyed spending time working with automobiles, computers, and citizen band / shortwave radios.

Mr. Ryan is survived by his children: Christine (William) Finigan of Glen Mills, PA, George (Jennifer) Ryan of Ellicott City, MD, and Diane (Michael) Oravecz of Lombard, IL, five grandchildren: Elizabeth Finigan and husband Aaron Reardon of Media, PA, Donna Finigan of Brooklyn, NY, Daniel (Lauren) Finneck of Wilmington, DE, David Ryan of Ellicott City, MD, and Steven Ryan of Baltimore, MD, and a great granddaughter Lowen Finneck, of Wilmington, DE. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Sara (Kroffe) Ryan, his parents George and Anna (Pastucha) Ryan, and a sister Aileen (Ryan) Penry.

Friends will be received from Friday, February 2, 2024 from 5-7 PM in Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 347 E 10^th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526 where a Panachida will be held  on Saturday at 9:30 AM. Divine Liturgy at 10 AM in SS Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Tarentum, with Rev. Vasyl Polyak and Monsignor Laurence Dominik, officiating. Entombment will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold with military honors. A Parastas will be held in the funeral home Friday at 6 PM. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the SS Peter & Paul Church or to the Disabled Veterans Association. Visit: DusterFH.com