Ryan

Robert F. Ryan (Age 87)

Robert F. Ryan, M.D. died peacefully at home in Arlington, VA on Monday, June 12, 2023. He was born in Washington, DC on August 30, 1935.

Dr. Ryan was predeceased by his parents, Anna Mulvihill Ryan and John J. Ryan, Sr., his brother John (Jack) J. Ryan, Jr., and his sister Ann C. Ryan. He was a life-long member of St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, DC. He served on the altar for ten years and later was a member of the Parish Council. Surviving are his friend and companion of 55 years, Stuart B. Bedell, his sister-in-law Fay C. Ryan, and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Ryan was born in Washington, DC. and was a graduate of St. John's College High School. and Georgetown University, both the University's undergraduate college and its School of Medicine. He also served as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Medical School for many years.

Dr. Ryan, in the early 1970's, founded, in conjunction with the Arlington County Board, the first Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program for Arlington County, VA. It was the first such program on the East Coast. He was also a pioneer in pre-hospital coronary care and received from the Arlington County Medical Society the Welburn Award for making a major contribution to the health care of the Arlington community. He practiced Internal Medicine in Arlington for 40 years and also was elected by his fellow private practitioners as Chief of the Medical Staff at Virginia Hospital Center, formerly Arlington Hospital. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to the care of his patients and served as an expert mentor to medical students and to beginning medical practitioners.

Upon retiring in 2005, he spent time between his homes in the Washington, DC area and Aventura, Florida, where he enjoyed family and friends, playing golf, and, in South Florida, the beaches and cultural diversity of the area.

The visitation will be held from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at St. Matthew's Cathedral, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC with the interment to follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Hospital Center Foundation or to an organization of one's choice.

www.murphyfuneralhomes.com

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Published by The Washington Post from Jun. 13 to Jun. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ryan

9 Entries

Anne Taub-Carney

July 25, 2024

Robert Francis gave me my first nursing job in his office while I was still in nursing school. He was a great mentor, friend and teacher. I will always remember him for his ethics in treating patients as people who sought help. These ethical standards formed the basis for the care I hope I provided in my 60 year nursing career. Thank you for sharing your gifts with me.

Janet schafer

December 25, 2023

Dr Ryan was a fine man and a very good physician. Truly cared for his patients. My mom worked for him as the nurse in his office. Fond memories of a fine gentleman

Joyce Pearsall

December 25, 2023

My mother, Eleanor Naeher, RN, worked for him at one time. I followed along in her footsteps in the 80´s. Those were the best of times, as I learned much about ambulatory care and met many good people. Last Christmas in his card, he mentioned he had a serious illness. I hadn´t heard from him this year, so I assumed he passed away. Indeed he did and I want to express my heartfelt condolences to his survivors. Sincerely, Joyce Pearsall, RN, retired. Brevard, NC

Beth Sawyer

August 2, 2023

I just heard of Dr. Ryan's passing and send my condolences to his family and friends. He was a dear friend to my Aunt Charlotte Anne and the VornDick family. I only met him a few times at family events, but I still remember his warm smile and kindness.
May God's perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Lisa Jennings

Sent Flowers

Vicki Wallshein

June 13, 2023

I am very grateful to Bob for the great friendship he showed my parents all the years they were neighbors at Memorial Overlook. My Mother will really miss him.

Carol Ryan Hilton

June 13, 2023

So sorry for your loss. We never met but he was my dad's cousin. Prayers for your family.

Janice Young

June 13, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I had to opportunity to meet him once. He was my father's cousin.

Ronald D. Willard

June 13, 2023

Dr Ryan was our family physician from 1973 until he retired in 2005! Our condolences to his family and friends! We have very fond memories of Dr. Ryan.
Sincerely, Joan and Ronald Willard (Springfield, VA)

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