“ Saint David’ s is so special; I’ ve been to the top of the mountain with this school, and anything else would be disappointing.”
“ Saint David’ s is so special; I’ ve been to the top of the mountain with this school, and anything else would be disappointing.”
He particularly loved coaching the basketball team. Upon the opening of the 94th Street Gym in 1995, he took the first basketball shot, which, of course, made the basket. For the last 30 years, our eighth graders have been the beneficiaries of his playful demeanor, insightful teaching, and deep wisdom.
In more ways than I can count, Tom is the quintessential teacher of boys. He sees a boy, each boy, for who he is, recognizing his unique and special gifts, connecting with him and drawing out of him, his best. Mr. Ryan is also the quintessential Saint David’ s teacher, willing to step up and serve the school in whatever capacity it needs without question or hesitation – across disciplines, activities, events, and positions for more than half a century. He’ s practically taught and coached and organized everything, but his incredible legacy will be celebrated, without question, in all those extras he championed, in those events and activities that make the school such a special place: the Christmas Sing-a-Long, with his corny jokes, and“ Are You Smarter Than an Eighth Grader?” with his quick wit and one-line zingers; in the livecast commentary at Faculty vs. Eighth Grade Basketball Games where he called the action in Price Gym with Madison Square flair; and of course, in leading the Thanksgiving Food Drive for so many decades, setting the standard for what serving the greater good actually looks like. And who will ever forget his classroom? It’ s a boy’ s fantasy— the walls, shelves, and all the flat surfaces are completely covered with posters, sports paraphernalia, knick-knacks, and whatnots, most connected to his beloved Yankees— a cross between Legends Park and the Globe Theatre, Cooperstown and Mr. Ryan’ s own Staten Island Yankees Den. Mr. Ryan is a teacher of boys.
Reflecting upon his retirement, Tom has this to say:“ Saint David’ s is so special; I’ ve been to the top of the mountain with this school, and anything else would be disappointing.”
Thank you, Tom, on behalf of a grateful community and generations of alums, for providing your students with an exciting, enjoyable, and wisdom-filled educational climb to the top of their Saint David’ s mountain. We wish you and Maureen a joyful retirement with your entire family, including your son Thom’ 89, daughter Liz, and grandchildren. May the future bring you many new adventures … and plenty of baseball: baseball cards, baseball games, baseball history, baseball stats, baseball musings. •
~ Headmaster O’ Halloran, March 5, 2026
Mr. Ryan, one of The Four Amigos, at a Yankees game in 2010.
10 • Saint David’ s Magazine