William James Ryan, a resident of Concord, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, following a brief illness. He was the husband of Martha “Marty” Stengel Ryan.
Bill was born in New York on May 30, 1936. He was the son of the late James and Anne (Buhr) Ryan. Raised and early educated in New York, Bill graduated from Amherst College with the class of 1958 and later graduated with an MBA from Harvard Business School class of 1960.
Bill began his career with the Proctor and Gamble Company, working his way up to group products manager. He then went to Gillette Corporation and became president of the Personal Care division. His next move was to Boston Whaler Company, his most passionate role as chief executive officer. Finally, Bill later went on to establish Pantresse Company for many years until his retirement.
A devoted family man, Bill cherished the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed the coming and going of his kids and their friends and was always an avid listener to their lives and aspirations. There was nothing that made him prouder than the achievements and antics of his wife and children.
During his spare time and retirement, Bill enjoyed being on the ocean on his beloved boat, The Cocoavan, docked in Falmouth, Massachusetts. While he loved deep sea fishing, nothing topped the friendships he made on land and on sea. He was known by many as a generous, warm and wise friend who had no limit on the time he spent with those he loved.
Bill was predeceased by his first wife Barbara (Hilyard) Ryan in 1992. Together they had three children, Nina Douglas of Chula Vista, California, Bill Ryan (Mary Ryan) of Rochester, New York, and Leigh Vaughn (Jim Vaughn) of Charlestown, Massachusetts. Along with his wife Marty, he is survived by his children Chris Ryan and Kendall Ryan, and predeceased by his son Tyler Ryan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Billy Ryan, Tommy Ryan, Rachel Ryan, and Jana Douglas.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of life service to honor and remember Bill on Sunday, June 11th, 2023, at 11:30 AM outside at the Fenn School, 516 Monument Street, Concord, MA.
In lieu of flowers, our family would ask that you make time to spend with family and friends in honor of Bill.
Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord, MA 01742
978-369-3388 www.concordfuneral.com
