Ryan, Michael W.

Michael Ward “MW” Ryan, 87, of Milton, passed into eternity on Friday, April 26, 2024. Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Shirley Jean (Zak), his children Patricia (Kevin) Gillis of Plymouth, Colleen (Joseph) Vasques of Norton, Michael of Riverview, FL, Thomas (Jennifer) of Norfolk, and John (Cynthia) of Santa Cruz, CA, and 10 grandchildren: Sean, Bianca, Benjamin, Kyle, William, Zak, Daisy, and Emily Ryan, and Michael and Matthew Gillis. He is also survived by three beloved siblings, Mary Ann Rechtien of Seattle, Jane Carrell of IL, and Patrick Ryan of GA.

Michael was born in Evanston, IL, and grew up in Skokie where he attended St. Peter School and Niles Township High School. He graduated from Loyola University in 1960 with a degree in economics and pursued a career in the U.S. Postal Service. The last 23 years of Michael’s career were spent in the Postal Inspection Service, where he served with honor and distinction. His final position was that of postal inspector in charge of the Boston Division. Upon retirement, Michael was a member of the National Association of Retired Postal Inspectors, serving consecutive terms as its secretary, vice president, and president between 2001 and 2007.

Residing in Canton for 23 years, Michael was an esteemed member of St. John the Evangelist Church. His commitment to his faith and community was unwavering, and he contributed to the lives of many through his involvement and service, including 10 years of volunteer service at the Mass. Hospital School. Later, he moved to Milton, where he became an active member of Fuller Village, continuing to make a positive impact on those around him. Michael served in various capacities with the Fuller Village Residents Association, including as its vice president and president. He also enjoyed helping fellow residents resolve TV and computer-related issues.

In retirement, Michael took an active interest in how the Catholic Church protects its primary source of income: the Sunday collections. Based upon his knowledge of postal audit and security systems and procedures, Michael determined the average parish’s Sunday collection is highly susceptible to repetitive theft. In 1988, he began to importune church leaders at all levels, first in the Archdiocese of Boston and, since 1990, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urging them to implement genuinely secure procedures. His efforts included articles published in Catholic periodicals and, in 2011, a self-published book entitled Nonfeasance. Michael also created and maintained a website (ChurchSecurity.info) to promote that cause.

While the more than 25 years Michael devoted to the cause yielded less progress than he had hoped to achieve, he never despaired and repeatedly sought new ways to bring the weekly collections’ great vulnerability before the public eye. Michael also served as a member of the board of trustees of the Catholic lay group Voice of the Faithful. He was a member of St. Pius X Parish and will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MFHC Benevolent Fund, 1399 Blue Hill Ave., Milton MA 02186, or to the homeless shelter St. Francis House, P.O. Box 120499, Boston MA 02112-0499.

Michael’s journey through life was marked by the love he gave and the love he received. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, but his spirit and the memories he created will endure forever. He has left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and all the lives he touched.

As we say farewell to Michael Ward Ryan, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of purpose and generosity. His story does not end with his passing but continues in the lives of those he inspired. Michael’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and unwavering faith, which will continue to guide and comfort us all in the days to come.

A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 15, at 11:30 a.m. in Saint Pius X, 101 Wolcott Road in Milton. Burial at Canton Corner Cemetery.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on May 2 2024. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.