Martin Lester Ryan

Albany-Martin Lester Ryan (86) of Loudonville died Friday, April 15, of natural causes. Born in Cohoes on September 13, 1929, he was the son of Albert (Stan) and Gertrude Ryan. Martin graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1947 and from Siena College in 1951. After receiving a MS in pharmacology from Boston University, he completed medical school at Georgetown University in 1957. For over forty years, Martin practiced medicine as a gastroenterologist at Memorial Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital, serving as Chief of Staff at the latter. In addition, Martin had his own private practice in Albany and retired in 1999. Martin was a loving father, brother and grandfather, and has been an important inspiration to many. He was very humble, kind, and considerate of others. He was beloved for his dry, unique, and sophisticated sense of humor. And all of his friends knew well about his unquenchable sweet tooth. Martin loved tennis, squash, skiing, and basketball and achieved a high level of skill in each through sheer persistence. He was also the most gracious and honest competitor possible. Martin also had many beloved hobbies including collecting paintings and antiques and cultivated highly refined and discerning tastes, which were also reflected in his sartorial sensibilities. He loved listening to symphony orchestras, especially at SPAC, where he was a lifetime member. His dedication to the arts was further reflected by his serving on the Board of Trustees at the Albany Center Gallery. He donated his most prized paintings to the Albany Institute of History & Art. He was a member of the Lake George Club as well as the University Club in Albany where he served on the Board of Directors. Martin is survived by his four sons, Bart, Benjamin, Brendan and Justin (Cynthia), and his former wife, Virginia Ryan. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen (Walter) Kresge, and his nephews, James and Alan Kresge. He was a loving “PopPop” to his grandchildren, Martin and Ada Ryan. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Martin’s family Tuesday, April 19, 2016 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Funeral services Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 9:45 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, Albany thence to Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany at 10:30 am where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waterford immediately following the Mass.

Tributes

Martin Lester Ryan

September 13, 1929 - April 15, 2016