Obituary of Robert J. Ryan

Niskayuna- Robert J. Ryan 73, of Niskayuna, died Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Ellis Hospital. He was born in Buffalo, NY, son of the late Joseph and Frances Hogan Ryan. Bob graduated from Brockport High School and graduated with a BS degree from Cornell in 1960. He then entered the Army and was honorably discharged from active duty in 1962 and the Army Reserve in 1966. Bob worked as a Sanitarian with the NYS Dept of Health, first in Middletown, NY then to Oneonta where he worked as Senior Sanitarian then in 1968 moved to Albany with the NYS Dept of Health. His division was taken over by the NYS Agriculture & Markets Dept., where he retired as Assistant Director of the Milk Control Division in 1997. Bob was a member of The New York State Association for Food Protection. He was a Master Gardener and a former member of the Grand Blvd. Volunteer Fire Department. Survived by his wife of 44 years, Betsy A. Ryan; daughter Joanne Ryan of Brattleboro, VT; his sister, Nancy Ryan of Rochester, NY; brother Joseph (Linda) Ryan of The Villages, FL; sister in-law, Nancy Rutenber of Albany, NY; 2 nieces, 1 nephew, 1 great niece and 2 great nephews. Predeceased by his sister Peggy Ryan. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial service at 1 PM on Friday September 23rd, at Faith United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert J. DeFelice officiating. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private in Glenwood Cemetery, Oneonta. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Bob's memory to the Animal Protective Foundation of Schenectady, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302 or to Faith United Methodist Church, 811 N.Brandywine Ave, Schenectady, NY 12308.