Patrick K. Ryan PhD

Patrick Kelaher Ryan, Ph.D., 78, of Grosse Pointe Woods, died peacefully Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at Henry Ford St. John Hospital, after several extended illnesses.

Patrick was born Aug. 19, 1947, in Ontario, Canada, to Kathleen "Kay" Ryan and James Ryan, both now deceased. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Ryan (nee Koch Bond); son, Liam Patrick Ryan, M.D. (Emily); stepchildren, Susan Venditto, Andrew Bond (Ann) and Patrick Bond (Stephanie); and three younger siblings, Danny Ryan (Marg), Colleen Kehoe (the late Don) and Maureen Curtis. He thoroughly cherished interacting with his seven grandchildren, Noah Venditto, Joshua Venditto, Brady Bond, Charlotte Bond, Blanche Kaine-Ryan, Wilma Kaine-Ryan and Collette Bond. Patrick also enjoyed family gatherings with his niece, Kelly Russell (Pierre); great-niece, Chloe Russell; and nephew, Ryan Kehoe (Jess).

Following his marriage to Jane in 1994, some of Patrick's most treasured memories were of their many international travels and visits to their lake house up north. He also was fond of frequent visits to the dog park with Jane and their goofy and lovable dog, Ginsburg.

Patrick came from a modest, loving background in Ontario. He was born with a hole in his heart the size of a quarter. At that time, there was no lifesaving treatment for his medical condition. Doctors believed he would not survive to adulthood. At 10 years old, he became the first child to receive a groundbreaking heart surgery, from which he not only survived, but thrived.

Due to this childhood medical trauma, he committed to living his life fully. Patrick put himself through college and earned a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Windsor. He had a thriving practice that specialized in neuropsychology and was especially known for evaluating patients with closed head injuries.

Patrick loved his work and never officially retired. In keeping with his father's example of helping others heal, Patrick's son, Liam, is a successful cardiothoracic surgeon in the D.C. area.

Patrick was kind, generous and terribly funny. He had a brilliant intellect and quirky, fun-filled sense of humor. He loved to read, learn, study and be challenged by solving problems. Patrick always believed the worst thing that could happen to him would be to lose his ability to think. Despite battling multiple cancer treatments, including a bone marrow transplant in 2023, his mind and wit remained fully intact until his last breath.

Patrick's professional colleague, a retired local judge, fondly stated: "Dr. Ryan was one of a kind. Practically every difficult custody or termination case contained Dr. Ryan's report. He testified in court, though it was not his favorite thing to do. He helped establish a Veterans Court program in Macomb County. He knew so much about so many things, including substance abuse, parenting and personality disorders. He had a great sense of humor. I'm richer for my experiences with Dr. Ryan."

Patrick Ryan will be greatly missed by Jane, his family, friends, colleagues and patients. A small private memorial service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Karmanos Cancer Institute, Dresner Clinical Cancer Center, 4100 John R., Detroit, MI 48201, karmanos.org/karmanos-foundation/donate-to-karmanos-foundation.