Local Businessman, Politican Dies at 89

Theodore J. Ryan, 89, husband of Roberta (Waldron) Ryan, of Phoenixville, passed away at home on Saturday evening, November 9, 2013.  Born in Troy, NY, he was a son of the late Theodore E. and Eleanor (Larkin) Ryan.  

Mr. Ryan had a 20-year managerial career with General Electric, beginning in Schenectady NY, relocating to Pittsfield, MA, and finally to the Space Sciences Center in King of Prussia, PA. In the mid-70's he worked in technical publications at Boeing in Ridley Park and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Undeterred by his coronary bypass in 1976 he founded The Stove Shop in 1977 in Schuylkill Township, selling American-made wood stoves and working long hours to build it into a successful business from which he retired in 1986.

Starting in the 70’s and continuing well after retirement he served his community on the Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors where his efforts were key in preserving open space against pressure from developers.   He was a member of Sons of Union Veterans of Civil War, Bradbury Camp No. 149 of West Chester, PA; Knights of Columbus (third degree); Lions Club; Society of Technical Writers and Publishers; secretary for Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company; and St. Ann Church.

His interests included cooking, reading, crosswords (esp. NY Times), genealogy, amateur astronomy, gardening, fishing, dogs (especially his beloved bulldogs, Otis and Lucky). He appreciated good writing and loved to find just the right word, often amusing his family with his precise wording when speaking.   In addition to his loving wife of 62 years, Mr. Ryan is survived by his children, Amy, wife of Andrew Faga, of Lansdale, Jean Ryan and companion Michael Oddo, of California, David, husband of Robyn Ryan, of Conshohocken, William, husband of Cynthia Ryan, of Kimberton, and Theodore W. Ryan, companion of Kathy Butzloff, of Plymouth Meeting, brother, William Ryan, of Inchelium, Washington and three grandchildren, Daniel Faga, husband of Alyson, Patrick Ryan, and Maureen Ryan. Predeceased by a son, Robert.  

Interment was held privately for the family in Greenville Rural Cemetery, Greenville, NY.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Ted’s name to: Ted Ryan Open Space Conservation Fund, c/o Schuylkill Township, Attn:  Mary R. Bird, Township Manager, 111 Valley Park Road, Phoenixville PA  19460-5700.  

Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Editor's Note: The content of this obituary was provided by the funeral home.