F. Thomas Ryan

Francis Thomas Ryan, 93, of Staunton, Va., passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 10 at his home. He was born July 3, 1928 in Altoona, Pa., the oldest of four children of the late Francis Xavier and Sophia Ellen (Miller) Ryan. Surviving is his loving wife of 71 years, Margarita (Castejon Campagnol), son Tom Ryan, daughter Maria Ryan, sister Helen DiPietro and sister-in-law Marguerite Ryan.

Preceding him in death were his sister Mary Walker (Arthur) and brother William.

Tom graduated from Altoona Catholic High School and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served three years during the Korean War, 31st Infantry Regiment, L Company, 7th Division. After his service he became the first member of the Ryan family to attend college, earning a teaching degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University.

While a student at IUP he took art classes at Mount Aloysius Junior College where he met his wife, Margarita.

For more than 40 years Tom was a dedicated teacher and coach, influencing and inspiring numerous students during that time. He began his teaching career at Keith Junior High School in Altoona, Pa. before moving to Hawthorne, Nev., where he taught English and coached football from 1956-63. He spent two years teaching and coaching in Arroyo Grande, Calif. And then settled in Reno, Nev., where he taught art, coached football and served as Athletic Director at Reno High School for 30 years. The Ryans then retired to New Braunfels, Texas where they lived for 20 years in a Spanish-style house designed by Tom. In Texas Tom took up wood carving as a hobby, participated in an educational program for seniors at a local college, and continued to host his annual St. Patrick’s Day party.

Tom had an affinity for football, Caravaggio, Irish whiskey and sled dogs. He remained a Penn State fan throughout his life, he was proud of his Irish heritage and he had a great appreciation for other cultures, having traveled through Europe, Central and South America. As a devout Catholic his travels always included visits to churches and cathedrals to attend Mass and to appreciate the architectural design and artwork.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 25 in Cresson, Pa.