OBIT:  RYAN, Thomas, Father; 1911; Lilly, Cambria Cnty., PA

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Cambria Freeman
Ebensburg, Pa.
Friday, 3 Mar 1911
Volume 45, Number 9


Rev. Thomas Ryan Dead 

Father Thomas Ryan, one of the best known priests in the Altoona diocese, died Monday night at Lilly 
where he had been stationed for several years.  He had been ill only a few days.  The funeral was 
held Thursday morning with solemn mass of requiem. The celebrant was Bishop E. A. Garvey of the 
Altoona diocese.  The deacon was Rev. Father J. J. Deasy of Gallitzin; sub-deacon, Rev. J. B. Eagan 
of Portage; first deacon of honor, Rev. M. J. Canole; second deacon of honor, Rev. Philip Bohan; 
master of ceremonies, Rev Peter Fox.

Father Ryan was born March 4, 1963 in Gripsey, County Cork, Ireland.  He received his primary 
education from the Christian Brothers in the City of Cork; his classical education in Fermoy College, 
County Cork, and in the famous Maynooth College.  He was ordained on June 4, 1890 and 
immediately afterward came to the United States. His first charge was as assistant pastor of St. 
John's Church, Altoona.  After a year there he was transferred to Dudley, where he was stationed five 
years, going then to Wilmore.  While at this place he organized a parish and built a church at 
Portage.  In 1900 he went to Lilly, where he had been since.  During his charge there he built a fine 
school and reorganized the parish so that it is today considered one of the best in every way in the 
Altoona diocese.

Father Ryan is survived by his father and mother, living at Temple Hill, County Cork, Ireland, and by 
six brothers and three sisters, all residing abroad – John, Patrick, William, Jeremiah, Michael and 
Eugene, the last named a British army surgeon in Malta, and Minnie, Lizzie and Helena.