Lawrence W. Ryan, Jr.

Lawrence William “Bill” Ryan, born October 7, 1937, in Melrose, Massachusetts, was the eldest of four children of Lawrence and Ercil Ryan. 

Bill’s family had deep ties to Maine, and every summer his mother and siblings would travel to their camp at Nequasset in Woolwich. He fondly recalled heading to Maine the day after school let out and returning just before classes resumed in September. Those summers shaped him—he formed lifelong friendships, and he loved sharing stories of swimming at the Nequasset Dam and jumping from the trestle bridge. 

Bill attended Melrose public schools, graduating from Melrose High School in 1955, and later pursued studies at Newman Prep. He went on to serve his country with pride in the United States Coast Guard. Beginning on active duty and later through a long career in the Coast Guard Reserve, Bill was stationed at various posts, including Boston, Gloucester, South Portland (ME), Boothbay Harbor, and Governors Island (NY), where he was called to active duty during times of conflict. 

In 1958, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn W. Newman, also of Melrose. Together they raised two children, Donna and Mark, and built a life filled with family, friends, and adventure. The family cherished summers at Sebago Lake in Naples and Birch Point in West Bath, and winters at their camp in Wyman Township and Stratton, Maine. Eventually, their beloved camp in Brightwater, Phippsburg, became their year-round home, fulfilling Bill’s lifelong dream of living in Maine permanently. He treasured time spent outdoors, whether canoeing, boating, fishing, or hunting, and created countless memories with his loved ones in those special places. 

Bill was also a highly skilled third-generation scientific glassblower. He began his career at RVA (Ryan, Velutto & Anderson), the company his father co-founded in Massachusetts, before working at MIT in both the Physics and Chemistry departments. A proud member of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society, he contributed to many scientific innovations during a time of great advancement. His expertise with laser tubes became his hallmark, leading him to establish his own business, L.W. Ryan Associates, where he continued to advance the field through his craftsmanship.

 Beyond his work, Bill was an avid sports enthusiast with a lifelong love for athletics. A member of the Boston Athletic Association, he especially enjoyed hockey and was a devoted fan of the Boston Bruins. 

After Carolyn’s passing in 2010, Bill found love again and married Theresa York. Together, they divided their time between Maine, South Carolina, and eventually Florida. 

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Ercil Ryan; his first wife, Carolyn Ryan; and his sister, Lynne (Ryan) True. 

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Ryan; his daughter, Donna Ryan Footer; his son, Mark Ryan and wife Kimberly; his brother, Richard “Dick” Ryan; and his sister, Laurene (Ryan) Saucier and husband Guy. He also leaves behind beloved grandchildren: Carolyn Footer and fiancé Jacob Tidd, Lauren Cogle and husband Keston, and Will Ryan; as well as Theresa’s son Aidan Coffin and his children Cora and Camryn, and Cara York Holder and her children Lyla and Kennedy. Great-grandchildren include Addison and McKenna Cogle, and Georgia and Callan Tidd. 

Fondly remembered as well is Bill’s dearest and lifelong friend, James Cortese of Melrose, Massachusetts. 

A brief cemetery service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 13th at Riverside Cemetery, Route 128 in Woolwich, Maine, followed by a gathering of friends and family at 2 p.m. at the Taste of Maine, Route 1 in Woolwich. 

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care Bill received at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, FL. We were deeply comforted knowing he was in such a compassionate and peaceful environment, where he was able to rest and pass with calm and dignity. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven Hospice by contacting:

 Haven Hospice Foundation, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606-3809 

www.havenhospice.com/donate