Mayor of Rochester, New York. He was the 57th mayor of Rochester, New York serving from 1974 to 1994. A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, a Catholic university in New York; Syracuse University Law School; along with serving in US Marine Corp, he rose from a humble working class background to take the helm of New York's 3rd largest city amidst the turmoil and financial troubles of the 1970s. His political career began in 1961, when he was elected county supervisor. In 1984, voters approved a measure to end the city's council-manager government, in which the city manager was the chief administrative officer and the City Council chose the mayor. After years as the appointed mayor, Mr. Ryan, who favored the change, was directly elected to the post the following year. A Democrat, he was known for his bi-partisan style, saving the city from bankruptcy and initiating a long period of urban renewal and commercial growth. A man of few words, he was trusted by the people with his different way of management. He died the day before Rochester's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, a city tradition he had restored 26 years earlier. Recently, the Thomas J. Ryan, Jr. Community Center was opened; it is a large building with various services for the entire community.
Mayor of Rochester, New York. He was the 57th mayor of Rochester, New York serving from 1974 to 1994. A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, a Catholic university in New York; Syracuse University Law School; along with serving in US Marine Corp, he rose from a humble working class background to take the helm of New York's 3rd largest city amidst the turmoil and financial troubles of the 1970s. His political career began in 1961, when he was elected county supervisor. In 1984, voters approved a measure to end the city's council-manager government, in which the city manager was the chief administrative officer and the City Council chose the mayor. After years as the appointed mayor, Mr. Ryan, who favored the change, was directly elected to the post the following year. A Democrat, he was known for his bi-partisan style, saving the city from bankruptcy and initiating a long period of urban renewal and commercial growth. A man of few words, he was trusted by the people with his different way of management. He died the day before Rochester's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, a city tradition he had restored 26 years earlier. Recently, the Thomas J. Ryan, Jr. Community Center was opened; it is a large building with various services for the entire community.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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