Francis W. Ryan

Francis W. “Frank” “Gramps” “Grey Ghost” Ryan, 72 of Thorndale PA, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Paoli Hospital, Paoli, PA after a heroic battle with Multiple System Atrophy.

Born in Chester, PA on March 2, 1946 he was the son of the late John J Ryan III and Anne Carr Ryan.

Frank graduated from St. James High School, Chester PA in 1964 where he played football, baseball and dabbled in basketball. Frank was a local football hero making First Time All Delco, All Catholic and Second Team All-State Honors before choosing to play for Duke University of the 30 Football Scholarships he was offered. Frank finished his career at Duke in the ACC Top Ten in total rushing yards, rushes per carry, receiving touchdowns, yards from scrimmage and touchdowns. Frank is in the St. James hall of Fame, the Delco Hall of Fame and Eastern Pennsylvania Hall of fame.

He graduated in 1968 with a B.S. in History from Duke University, Durham, NC.

Frank spent his career for 40 years as a history teacher at Malvern Preparatory School.  He also served for many years as Malvern Prep’s Athletic Director, Disciplinarian, Assistant Varsity Football Coach,Head Freshman Football Coach, Freshman Baseball Coach as well as coached Freshman Cross Country.

He was a parishioner at Saint Joseph Church, Downingtown, PA. Frank enjoyed playing golf, walking his dogs, yardwork, including chopping wood.  Most of all, Frank enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren, Lily and Finn.

He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer L. Robins (Joseph) of Phoenixville, PA and Colleen M. Ryan of Phoenixville, PA; granddaughter, Lily Morgan Robins and grandson, Finnegan Francis Robins;siblings, John J. Ryan IV of Scranton, PA, Edward Ryan of Venice, Florida, and Mary Jo Crane of Denver, CO; also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation on Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at Saint Joseph’s Church, 332 Manor Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335; followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research at med.upenn.edu   

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith and Boyd Funeral Home of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com