Robert Jerome Ryan

Family-Placed Obituary

ROBERT JEROME RYAN, M.D. 94, died peacefully on November 17, 2007 surrounded by his family at Mangrove Bay in Jupiter, FL. Dr. Ryan was born in 1913 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY. He attended Brooklyn Prep followed by Fordham University and Downstate College of Medicine. In 1942, Bob married Rita Fox of Woodhaven, NY. They had 58 years together until her death May 20, 2000. Dr. Ryan served in WWII as a US Navy surgeon attached to the 1st Marine Division at Cape Gloucester, Talasea on New Britain, Pavuvu in the Solomon Islands, Peleliu, Okinawa and China. Dr. Ryan remembered vividly the landing and fighting on Peleliu and recalled with admiration, pride and sadness the bravery of the 1st Marine Division at Bloody Nose Ridge. After the Peleliu campaign, Dr. Ryan was made chief surgeon of Able Company 1st Marine Division. 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, NY from 1964 to 1974. He served as president of the Nassau Surgical Society and chairman of the Nassau Academy of Medicine General Surgery Division. Later Dr. Ryan became a police surgeon for Nassau County. He was instrumental in the development of the Ryan Medical Arts Building at Mercy Medical Center. With Rita, Bob retired in 1986 to Westhampton Beach and Stuart, FL. Dr. Ryan was a fine and caring physician 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. Dr. Ryan leaves behind his daughters, Mary Patricia Ryan, Boynton Beach, FL, Dolores Reynolds, Beaufort, SC, Theresa McEntee, Westhampton Beach, NY, Elizabeth Ryan, Greenwich, CT; his son, Robert Ryan, College Station, TX; sons-in-law, W. Bruce Reynolds and Philip McEntee and step grandchildren, Patrick, Andrew and Deidre McEntee. His son, James Michael, US Secret Service, was killed on duty in 1977, and his daughter, Laura Marie, died in 1978 as a result of the 1977 Providence College fire. He is survived by his sister, Grace Ryan Tuffin. His 100 year old brother, Francis J. Ryan, predeceased him by two hours in Port St. Lucie. Brothers Gerald and Eugene Ryan died previously. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, November 20 at Mangrove Bay, 110 Mangrove Bay Way, Jupiter. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mercy Medical Center, 1000 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries