The regular sessions of the Rensselaer County Legislature are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in:
Legislative Chambers, Second Floor
99 Troy Road
East Greenbush, NY 12061
For additional information, please contact the Majority Office at 518-270-2880
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Thomas P. Ryan – Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony
February 12, 2018
Honoring Thomas P. Ryan, held in the Legislative Chambers
THOMAS P. RYAN, 1924-2016
FAMILY HISTORY:
Thomas P. Ryan was born on August 19, 1924 in Troy, New York to the late Patrick and Rose Newell Ryan. Thomas was the brother of Patricia Douglas and the late David Ryan.
EDUCATION:
Thomas attended Catholic Grade School in Brooklyn until 1933 and then moved to Rensselaer, where he attended St. John’s Academy and completed grade 5. He then attended St. Michael’s in Troy and graduated from 8th grade in 1938. Thomas attended Catholic Central High School for 2 years but then had to quit to work and help support his family.
HISTORY:
Thomas enlisted in the United States Navy on March 12, 1943 in Albany, NY. He was a Seaman First Class serving aboard the USS Lindsey DM 32 during World War II. Thomas was 1 of 331 men serving aboard the ship when it was attacked by suicide planes from Japan in Okinawa, leaving 114 crewmen either injured or dead. Prior to serving aboard the USS Lindsey DM 32, Thomas served on transport and supply ships, carrying men and equipment for the Pacific invasions. Thomas was the recipient of the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal. Thomas P. Ryan was honorably discharged on February 19, 1946.
PERSONAL:
Thomas married his beloved wife, the late Dorothy M. Chamberlain on October 12, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Church in Green Island, NY. Together they had two daughters; Linda Reynolds and Sharon Ryan. Thomas is also survived by his granddaughters; Tiffany (Jeff) Gibson and Kelly (Martin) O’Neill, and his great grandchildren; Anthony, Jeffrey, Abby and Shannon, as well as several nieces and nephews.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
As a child, Thomas helped deliver milk before school. After the war he worked at Behr-Manning (Norton Company) in Watervliet, NY in the abrasives shipping department for 40 years.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
Thomas was a member of the Tin Can Sailors National Association.
Thomas loved traveling with his wife to different locations across the country for reunions with survivors of the USS Lindsey DM 32. He also enjoyed gardening, talking with friends and taking walks with his K9 companions.
Special sessions may also be convened at the request of the Chairperson.
The agenda for a regular session is available on the Thursday preceding the meeting. Members of the public have the opportunity to speak on issues contained in the agenda for one-half hour prior to the opening of the meeting.
We also have a Public Forum night; this is a great opportunity for the Public to make comments to the full Legislative Body. It is held on the Wednesday of the week preceding our regular monthly meeting in Chambers beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Thank you for your cooperation.