Blue Hill – Arthur Marsh Ryan, 92, died on December 17, 2017 at his home in Blue Hill, Maine. He was the beloved husband of Abby Keebler Ryan who passed away on November 22, 2017 also in Blue Hill. Arthur was born April 17, 1925 in Worchester, MA the son of Harold L. and Ruth (Marsh) Ryan.

Arthur grew up in Montclair, New Jersey and graduated in Navy ROTC from Yale University. He began his naval service in the Pacific during WWII on the USS Casco and served later in Washington D.C. during the Korean War in naval intelligence. He was discharged at the rank of Lieutenant. He graduated from Harvard Business School and was part of the generation that went into manufacturing. He started his career at Inland Steel in Chicago, which was followed by a long career at NL Industries in Toledo, OH, Columbus, IN and Alma, MI.

In 1981 Arthur was appointed the President of the Board of Pensions for the United Presbyterian Church based in Philadelphia. Some thought this was divine providence as it gave Arthur the opportunity to serve his faith and the church he loved in a way that best utilized his talents. He was particularly proud of helping to orchestrate the merger of the benefits organizations of the United and Southern Presbyterian Churches. In Philadelphia, Arthur was a board member of Moore College of Art and Design and a member of the Union League Club.

Art and Abby loved Maine and following their children moved to Blue Hill and Parker Ridge in 2002. Art was particularly active with the Congregational Church where he was a trustee and served on the investment committee. He also volunteered with the Jonathan Fisher House, an historical organization in Blue Hill. Art had a prodigious knowledge of history and a keen interest in politics and current affairs. His family will remember him as someone who had real wisdom and thoughtfulness. His expression of caring was genuine and benefited family and friends alike.

It is hard to think of Art without Abby, his partner of 66 years. They were a team and both were most proud of and found great joy in their family. We won’t soon forget the wonderful family dinners with interesting conversation and great laughter.

Arthur is survived by his children; Judy Ryan and husband Michael Higgins; granddaughter Abby Rogers, husband Scott Rogers and great granddaughter Daisy Lee Rogers; Philip Ryan and wife Elizabeth Ryan and their children Stuart Ryan and wife Erin Bond, Charlotte Ryan and Perry Ryan; daughter Ruth Ryan and Brother Robert Ryan and wife Priscilla.

A service to celebrate both Art and Abby’s lives will be held in the spring of 2018. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Art’s name to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 444, Blue Hill, 04614.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 49 Main St., Blue Hill.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com