William "Bill" C. Ryan

William Charles (Bill) Ryan, 87, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in McMurray.

 He was born on May 17, 1938, in Castle Shannon, to the late William J. and Catherine (Corbett) Ryan. He was the oldest of four children.

 Bill is the devoted father of Michael (Julie) Ryan, Martin Ryan, and Megan (Matthew) Bracciante; Grandfather to Patrick, Brian, Katherine (Kate), Alexis (Lexi), and Charlotte; brother to Mary Altman, Joanne (John) Kroboth, and the late Linda Bettinazzi. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

 He grew up on Baldwin Street in Castle Shannon, attending St. Anne’s Catholic school and church, playing music, and hanging out at KK’s Dairy on the corner with friends. 

 Bill graduated from St. Justin High School, Mount Washington 1957. He received an Associate in Arts from Holy Cross Preparatory Seminary in 1959.  He received a BA from Passionist Monastic Seminary in 1963, and a Master’s in Education from Duquesne University in 1968.

 Began teaching in the Catholic schools of Pittsburgh in 1963.  He taught English, History and Music. Nativity School in South Park, St. Thomas More School in Bethel Park (he also held the position of Vice Principal and Principal), and St. Valentines School in Bethel Park.  He made great memories for all his 8th grade STM students through yearly trips to Washington DC, and spring musical productions.  He was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1973 by The Convention of Catholic War Veterans.  He retired from teaching in 2007 and counts innumerous students that he guided along the way.  He had an amazing ability to recognize and visit with all of his students years after graduation as they passed on the street or in the grocery store.

 In high school, Bill and friends formed their first band (The Sharps) and played gatherings and dances.  Music continued to be central throughout the remainder of his life.

 Bill was a long-time Pianist/Organist/Choir Director at St Francis Church (Finleyville), Nativity Catholic Church, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, St. Valentine’s Catholic Church and most recently at St. Benedict the Abbot Church.  It was easy to tell his ministry was to share the Joy of the Gospel through music and song.  He especially enjoyed playing weddings for former students and participated whenever asked!

 He was an amazingly accomplished pianist, and he brought a smile and a song to everyone who ever heard him play.

 He enjoyed the game of golf throughout his life and instilled a love for the challenging game in his children and grandchildren. 

 He cherished the tradition of getting together with his sisters for breakfast every week (usually at Eat n Park).

 One of his favorite memories was making a trip to Ireland and getting to kiss the Blarney Stone.

 He loved the Pittsburgh sports teams - he grew up listening to the Pirates on transistor radio with his Father, and later watched the Steelers build their dynasty in the 70s with his children. He was most often seen in Steelers gear, especially his beloved cap!

 He always looked forward to Family Reunions in South Park, bringing the whole extended family together.  He played in the cousin whiffle ball game for many years until it became more fun to watch from the sidelines.

 Family and Friends will be received Monday, March 16, 2026, from 4-7pm, at Paul Henney Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 5570 Library Rd. Bethel Park, PA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, March 17, 10am at St. Benedict the Abbot Church in McMurray, PA. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in McMurray, PA. 

 Flowers/Donations:  In lieu of flowers, Bill would love donations to causes that were close to his heart:  to the St. Vincent DePaul Society (https://www.svdppitt.org/give-funds), or the Pittsburgh Diocese Bishop’s Education Fund, which helps local Catholic families provide their children with a Catholic education (https://diopitt.org/bef). 

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