Msgr. Paul T. Ryan in a photograph of the Archdiocese of BostonRev. Msgr. Paul T. Ryan, aged 92, peacefully passed away on January 18 at the Regina Cleri Residence in Boston. For 27 years, Monsignor Ryan dedicated his passionate service as the Pastor at St. Gregory’s in Dorchester, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
Born on July 19, 1931, in Jamaica Plain to John F. and Josephine M. (Dolan) Ryan, he was predeceased by siblings Mary Reilly, Catherine McGuire, John Ryan, Margaret Gallagher, James Ryan, and Peter Ryan. Monsignor Ryan, ordained in 1958 by Cardinal Richard Cushing, served 66 years as a priest.
Growing up in Jamaica Plain, he attended Boston College High School and Boston College before entering St. John’s Seminary. Ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Feb. 3, 1958, he served at various parishes, including St. Peter’s in Lowell, St. Angela’s in Mattapan, St. Mary’s in Brookline, Most Precious Blood in Hyde Park, and, notably, St. Gregory’s in Dorchester.
During his tenure in Dorchester, Monsignor Ryan played a crucial role in preserving and restoring St. Gregory’s church, which opened in 1863. Recognized by Pope John Paul II as a Prelate of Honor and granted the title “Reverend Monsignor” in 1998, he received Senior Priest/Retirement Status in 2008. After serving at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Norwood, he joined the Regina Cleri Residence in 2016.
A funeral is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, in the morning at St. Gregory Church in Lower Mills, Dorchester, followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Monsignor Ryan Scholarship Fund at St. Catherine of Siena Parish School, 249 Nahatan St., Norwood, MA 02062, or Regina Cleri, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114.
