Robert J. Ryan

RYAN - Robert J., M.D., 94, died peacefully on November 17, 2007 in Jupiter, FL. Dr. Ryan was born in 1913 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He attended Brooklyn Prep, Fordham University and Downstate College of Medicine. In 1942, Bob married Rita Fox of Woodhaven, NY. They had 58 years together until her death in 2000. Bob served in WWII as a US Navy surgeon attached to the 1st Marine Division in the South Pacific. During the battle of Okinawa, he oversaw the disposition of thousands of casualties and operated on a great majority of them. For his bravery and outstanding performance of duty, he was awarded the Bronze Star and 11 other decorations including the Navy Commendation, Combat Action and Pacific Campaign with three battle stars. Bob left the US Navy in 1946 and went into private practice on Long Island. He was appointed Director of Surgery at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre from 1964 to 1974 where the Ryan Medical Arts Building is named for him. He served as president of the Nassau Surgical Society and chairman of the Nassau Academy of Medicine General Surgery Division. Later Bob became a police surgeon for Nassau County. With Rita, Bob retired in 1986 to Westhampton Beach and Stuart, FL. Dr. Ryan was a fine and caring physician loved and admired by many. He made friends wherever he went and loved playing golf with his good pals. Most of all, Bob's greatest love was Rita and their seven children. He leaves behind his daughters, Mary Patricia, Boynton Beach, FL, Dolores (Bruce) Reynolds, Beaufort, SC, Theresa (Philip) McEntee, Westhampton Beach, NY, Elizabeth, Greenwich, CT; his son, Robert, College Station, TX; step-grandchildren, Patrick, Andrew and Deirdre McEntee, his sister, Grace Tuffin, and companion, Gail Geoghan, as well as his caregivers, Sophia and Elvire. His son, James, and daughter, Laura, died previously. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, December 15 at 11am, Immaculate Conception Church, Westhampton Beach. Donations may be made in his memory to Mercy Medical Center, 1000 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570.