Dr. Thomas Joseph Ryan, Jr.

Dr. Thomas J. Ryan Ed.D. passed away Monday, June 24th at the age of 77.

Dr. Ryan was born May 28^th, 1942 in New York to Thomas Sr. and Marjorie Ryan.   He attended high school at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville Georgia prior to completing his bachelor’s degree at Florida Southern University.  He went on to earn a master’s from the University of Alabama and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University.  Additional academic credentials include post graduate work at the University of Miami, and Florida Atlantic University.

Dr. Ryan wore many hats in his life, especially during his years at Broward College. During his 47 year tenure, he taught history, served as Director of Student Activities, Dean of Student Affairs and Athletic Director in addition to coaching and mentoring many. Throughout his duration at Broward College he oversaw numerous organizations and events – Student Government, Christmas Charities, leadership retreats, Europe and Latin America tours for the International Education Department, Competitive Edge Presidential Leadership Program, Camp BCC Summer Camp, an afterschool program for Broward County elementary students and his beloved F-Troop.

Dr. Ryan received many accolades while at Broward College. Among them were Professor of the Year and induction into the BC Intercollegiate Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2001, Dr. Ryan received the Second Generation Endowed Teaching Chair. Community service was an essential part of Dr. Ryan’s life at the national, state and local levels. He was actively involved with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, serving as their State President in 1999/2000.  He was also active with the Broward County Fair, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the United States Marine Corps Reserve USMC Toys for Tots and the Davie/Cooper City Chamber of Commerce. It was through his involvement with the Elks and the Toys for Tots program that thousands of children throughout South Florida received Christmas gifts and meals. With his group of F-Troopers from Broward College, Dr. Ryan accompanied many disabled children from the Florida Elks Children’s Hospital in Umatilla, Florida on day trips to Disney World, Boardwalk and Baseball, and SeaWorld in Orlando. He was also an integral part of the creation of the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida; where the main road through the camp bears the name Ryan Drive.

Dr. Ryan had a love for history, athletics, the University of Alabama, the students of Broward College, travel and his pride and joy, his sons Thomas III and Michael. After retiring from BCC in 2007, he combined his love of history and travel lecturing on cruise ships from many locations including Alaska, the Panama Canal, Bermuda and the Canadian Maritimes. When not cruising, Dr. Ryan worked on his favorite past time, recreating diorama’s of historic military battles including the Civil War’s, Battle of Manassas, which he proudly displayed in his home.

As word spread about his passing last week, tributes from around the country were shared. Former students spoke of how he changed their lives - led them to their current career, introduced them to their spouses and taught them about giving back to the community. Others recounted the fun they would have with Dr. Ryan, including the infamous “Plan C”. The one constant in each remembrance was the impact that he had on the lives of those he encountered.

Dr. Ryan is survived by his loving partner, Penny McIsaac; sons Thomas III (Kristy) of St. Petersburg Florida and Michael (Kayla) of Flowery Branch, Georgia; their mother, Dorothy and grandchildren T.J., Delaney, Colton, Grace, Emory and Abby. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 6th at TM Ralph Plantation Funeral Home 7001 NW  4th Street Plantation. Friends will be received from 9:30 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn South Mausoleum in Davie, FL. .  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Tom Ryan Scholarship at Eckerd College.

Arrangements by T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home 7001 NW 4 Street Plantation, FL 33327