Rodger W. Ryan

I will fondly remember Rodger forever. He was such a talent and one of the sweetest and genuinely kindest people I have ever known. Winkie Miller O'Brien

Dear Joan and Ryan family members,

Rodger and I go way back - I was so
saddened by this news. Rodger was
a good friend and fellow musician.
Rodger, and Jimmy DeJulio were in
one of my first and great trios in
the early 60's at the Pittsburgh
Playhouse. It was always a creative
joy to play with Rodger. He will
be sadly missed - my dear friend.
My deepest sympathy to Joan and
his family. Rodger will remain in...

I was shocked to hear of Rogers death. I did not know him as an adult, we lost contact after Allegheny High. But he was one of the people that helped me thru those terrible times and convinced me if you followed your dreams you will come out OK. I think of him often and will miss him.

Dear Joan & Family,
Rodger was one of my favorite musicians and a beautiful guy with a great sense of humor. I will miss him and always remember the great times we had. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you!
Ron & Barbara Antthony

Rodger was an excellent musician and a giving person. He was an inspiration to other drummers, like myself, and had a unique sense of humor. I had the pleasure of speaking with him at a recent Musicians' Union meeting and am deeply saddened by his passing. He was one of a kind and will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

To Roger's family. Me and my wife Roxanne were often in the audience when he played with the Dixie Doc group. He was a great guy and wonderful drummer. He always had time to speak with us. We will miss him. We wish the best to his family and know that he is in a better place. Steve and Roxanne Sortino

Dear,Dear,Joan and Roger's Family:
My goodness, how far back we go with the Trio when they permitted us to enjoy so many wonderful evenings with them, and they did because they were having so much fun also. And Roger was the glue that held it all together. I think his main attribute was that he was so darn honest. He told it like it was and if you didn't agree, too damn bad. He was a real person and how many people do you know that you can make that statement about. Mere words cannot...

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rodger Ryan. He was a fine and very scholarly musician and a wonderful person. I always enjoyed talking with him when we worked together because he knew so much about music and other aspects of life. We co-ran a jazz rhythm section workshop for guitarists attending the Summer Guitar Workshop at Duquesne University and he always provided wonderful insights into the world of ensemble playing in the jazz idiom. Rodger was very much into communication on the...

I did not work frequently with Rodger, but the times we did are very memorable to me, filled with fun and laughs. Rodger was a gentleman and a wonderful drummer and will be greatly missed.