Eugene T. Ryan

Eugene T. Ryan, 66, of Fairfax, VA, formerly of Hamden & Meriden, CT, passed away April 29, 2009 at his residence. Born in Jamaica, New York on January 14, 1943 he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Isabella M. Ryan (O'Brien). He graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, NY and received his BS in Business from Siena College, Loudonville, NY as well as a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force and received the Outstanding Procurement Officer of the Year award in 1967. Additionally, Mr. Ryan served with the 105th Support Squadron in the New York National Guard. After leaving the United States Air Force Mr. Ryan spent 45 years in the Aerospace Industry, beginning his career in Connecticut as a Procurement Agent throughout the Aerospace Industry, including positions with General Dynamics Electric Boat, and United Technologies Sikorsky and Norden divisions. He was also the Purchasing Manager for High Standard in Hamden, CT and United States Surgical Corporation in Norwalk, CT. Mr. Ryan was privileged to have also worked as a procurement agent on the Hubble Space Telescope Program. He was recruited by McDonnell Douglas Aircraft to become the Major Subcontract Manager for their MD-11, DC-10, KC-10 and MD-80 Programs. He was also the Business Unit Manager for the first C-17 Military Transport. While at Boeing, Mr. Ryan became the Manager of Supplier Management for the Delta IV launch pad and then earned the position of Director of Supplier Management for Boeing's TSA contract. He was working on special projects at Boeing in Virginia, when he retired. Mr. Ryan's expertise in contracts took him all over the world for negotiations. He was known for his integrity and perseverance and was respected by all. Mr. Ryan was also a talented organ player and craftsman. He won two awards in recent years for his handcrafted wooden rowboat. He loved airplanes and earned his private pilots license. He will be missed by his family and friends for his positive spirit, generous hugs and unconditional love, his wonderful sense of humor and his spirited energy and sense of adventure. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Nancylee Artenian Ryan of Fairfax, VA and his daughter Colleen Ryan of Irving, Texas. He is also survived by three sisters, Ms. Carol McLean of Gilbert, AZ, Mrs. Patricia Driscoll (Dan) of Vienna, VA, Ms. Kathleen Fila of Port Jefferson, NY and two brothers, Mr. Joseph Ryan of Staten Island, NY and Mr. Neal Ryan (Helen) of Madison, NJ, as well as many nephews and nieces.Relatives and friends may visit with his family at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave. Hamden, Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden. Interment will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meriden. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.