October 01, 2018
Patricia E. Ryan ’89P; PC School of Business benefactor
Patricia E. Ryan ’89P, whose gift with her husband, Arthur F. Ryan ’63, ’90Hon., & ’89P, led to the construction of the Arthur F. and Patricia Ryan Center for Business Studies, the home of the Providence College School of Business, died on May 6, 2018.
The Ryans also donated to the construction of the Smith Center for the Arts, where the Ryan Concert Hall is named for them, and they established the Arthur F. Ryan Family Scholarship Fund. Arthur is a former PC trustee.
“While Pat Ryan became part of Providence College through her husband, Art, we will forever treasure her own example and generosity,” said College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80. “She did a great many things that will have a lasting impact on PC and its students, and we will remember her with fondness and appreciation. Pat was strong, kind, and full of love and, as she is welcomed into God’s loving embrace, I pray that her family and friends are comforted by warm memories of their time with her.”
Together with her husband, Mrs. Ryan was a revered philanthropist and champion of the arts, schools, and the less fortunate in Newark, N.J., and beyond. In particular, she was considered a visionary in the creation and funding of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. She was a founding member of the Women’s Association of the NJPAC and served as its president from 2003-2005.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Ryan is survived by her children, Kyle and Art Ryan ’89, Kelly and Kevin Donovan, Denise and Kevin Ryan, and Kathleen and Ethan Theune; and seven grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers and their spouses, Mr. & Mrs. William Kelly and Mr. & Mrs. John Kelly.
Mrs. Ryan’s life was celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial on May 9 in Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach, Fla. A celebration of her life also was held on June 4 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
