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Peter Ryan Obituary
PORTLAND - Peter Michael Ryan II died on April 6, 2015, in Portland. He was 47.
Peter taught English at Greely High School in Cumberland from 2001 to 2012, where he touched hundreds of lives by inspiring and encouraging his students. Before that, he taught English at East New York High School for Transit Technology, coaching their debate team in the Urban Debate League, and helping them compete internationally in Europe in 1999.
Peter was born in Dallas, Texas, and attended primary and secondary school there. He graduated with honors from the New School for Social Research with a BA in Humanities, and earned his Master's in English from Hunter College, both in New York City.
Peter loved and was proudest of his teaching career. He connected with his students with true interest and affection.
He loved and was loved in return by his daughter Ella Ryan; his parents Margaret Ryan and Jay Setliff of Portland, and Peter and Suzanne Ryan of Dallas, Texas; sister Jennifer Ball, her husband James, and their sons James, Alexander and Taylor of Richmond, Va.; sister Amy Shackleford, her husband John and their family of Dallas, Texas, brother Robin Smith and his wife Malley and their family of Dallas, Texas; and many uncles, aunts; and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary in Falmouth on Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Ryan
Allen Little
April 26, 2015
So sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I had known him for the past several years and, although we saw each other infrequently, it was always a pleasure to catch up. I admired in Peter the kind and friendly manner of one who genuinely cares about the welfare of others. Sometimes you can just tell that person asks "how are you doing?" because they truly want to know, and he was one of those people. It's obvious from the messages here that Peter's students felt respected and honored, and are edified by the time they spent with him. Those connections are a legacy that truly lives on. My very, very, heartfelt condolences to Peter's family.
Sarah Michelle
April 21, 2015
Mr. Ryan... you were the only one in high school who treated me like an equal, like someone who deserved to be heard. You were the one who gave me the strength to go after my writing and never give up on it. You shared your own personal struggles with me when mine were too much to bear alone and I thought no one understood. But you did. You were more than a teacher to me... you were a friend. I never got over it when you left Greely halfway through the year and now I'll never get over never being able to say thank you for all that you did for me. Your life impacted mine in a way that will shape me for years to come. I'm so sorry that you are gone from this world. I will never forget you.
April 20, 2015
Mr. Ryan was a truly memorable teacher and human being and I think those who had him understand why. He was an outlier of Greely High School because he was one of the few down to earth realists who would broach topics that other teachers would not. He was irreverent but in the best way possible. He encouraged students to think for themselves, to think outside the box, to question things, and to not immediately subscribe to the doctrine fed to students by myriad institutions, for which I have tremendous respect. I only had him for one semester but I always appreciated him. Because of his personality, his youthfulness, and his intelligence, he was able to connect with students in an incredibly unique way, and because of that I think many of us idolized him, including myself. I was always overjoyed to pass him in the halls, and he'd always make some funny remark that I'd reflect on with other students with merriment. Sending my love his way and to his family.
April 19, 2015
Mr Ryan was a straight shooter. Always told it like it was, and I had greater respect for him that the other teachers who would sugar coat things. I always had a greater trust and understanding with him than the other faculty at Greely. Sorry to hear about his passing.
April 18, 2015
Thank you, Mr. Ryan, for being such a great teacher for my son, Colin. You touched him with your kindness and your willingness to reach out and listen. He highly respected you. You made a difference for him and you will be greatly missed.
Ali Dahlgren
April 18, 2015
Mr. Ryan made a difference in my life. He taught me how to write, encouraged me to think for myself, and to form my own opinions. At a time when people didn't believe in me, he did. He saw the good in me and accepted and respected me exactly as I was. He valued my opinions and passed no judgment. When I was in his class room I felt like I was worth something. He pushed me to be better and made me feel like I could accomplish anything. Mr. Ryan's influence helped me become what I was always capable of being but few people saw. He will not be forgotten and will live on in all the student's lives he touched.
Maria Therriault
April 14, 2015
Mr. Ryan was one of my son's favorite teachers at Greely. We are so saddened to learn of his untimely death. He was truly dedicated to his students, and expected high standards from them (in a good way). Please accept our condolences. Our prayers are with his family.
Sue Hubley
April 14, 2015
Margaret and Jay, I'm so sorry. I send my heartfelt sympathy to you and your whole family.
Sara Piwowarski
April 14, 2015
Mr. Ryan was the first English teacher of mine that pushed me to think below the surface. To this day I believe that I wouldn't interpret literature the same were it not for his class discussions and assignments. Rest in peace, Mr. Ryan; stir up some intriguing conversation up there.
Ariana Walk
April 14, 2015
Mr. Ryan,
I had planned to write you a letter thanking you for all you've done for me. You believed in me when no one else did. You were supportive even though I was a bit rough around the edges. You praised my work and I know you had high hopes for me. I won't let you down, only wish I had the time now to say it. Rest in peace sir.
Ariana Walk
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