Ryan, Matthew J., 1932-2003
biographical statement
Born in Philadelphia in 1932, the son of Thomas and Kathleen Ryan, Matthew Ryan spent over 40 years as a Legislator in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. A graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School in 1950, Ryan received a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in 1954 from Villanova University and also received a Juris Doctor degree in 1959 from the Villanova University School of Law. He was admitted to practice law in 1960.
A former first lieutenant in the United States marine Corps (1954-1956), Ryan was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1962 and was reelected in 20 consecutive general elections after. He served as both Republican Policy Chairman and Whip. He was elected Speaker of the House in 1981, 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2001, being the longest serving Republican speaker.
Ryan's party loyalty and extraordinary tenur in serving the people were proof of his love for the nations's oldest and most distinguished institution. For this loyalty, he was honored by the renaming and rededicating the Capital Annex as the Matthew J. Ryan Legislative Office Building.
Known for speaking with fervor, Ryan has been praised for his statesmanship, compassion, openness, unmatched Irish wit, intelligence, and friendly advice.
One of the creators of what is nationally recognized as Pennsylvania's modern General Assembly, Ryan also was a principal in establishing the Capitol Preservation Committee, adding the Capitol East Wing, renovating the Capitol Annex, and furthering legislative staffing, bill research, caucus parity funding, and constituency services through Capitol and district offices.
He was married to Delaware County Judge Patricia H. Jenkins and left five children. He died March 29, 2003.
Citation:
THE PENNSYLVANIA MANUAL, VOL. 115. Harrisburg, PA: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of General Services, 2001.Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Group photograph of Speaker Ryan with Chuck Bednarik, 2003-02-10, 2021-05-13
Photograph of the last appearance of Speaker Ryan prior to his passing. The House was honoring Chuck Bednarik, a former Eagles Football Player, as an outstanding Pennsylvania athlete.
Matthew Ryan, 2001
Gavel keychains.
Matthew Ryan Gavels, 1995-2003
This collection was originally from Roger Nick, former Chief Clerk, who donated them to Capitol Preservation who then transfered them to the House Archives. The gavels are from each of his first days as Speaker for each term. Original letter and email are included in box.
Roger Nick Collection on Matthew J. Ryan, 1987-2003
The items in this collection were gathered by Roger Nick when he was Chief of Staff for Representative Matthew J. Ryan between 1985 and 2003. The majority of the collection, however, is material related to the death of Ryan (funeral, memorials, etc.). There is a large collection of photographs covering the topics of swearing-in ceremonies, Republican Leadership, and posed portraits. A small group of objects is also contained in the collection.
Additional filters:
- Type
- Archival Record 2
- Collection 2