Michael Fredrick Ryan, 83, passed away peacefully in his home on November 9th 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 1, 1943, to parents Leo B. and Mabel W. Ryan.

He attended Blessed Sacrament (1957) and graduated from Benedictine Military School with the infamous class of 1961. He attended Armstrong State College and, in 1963, was employed by the City of Savannah in the Treasurer’s Office. In February of 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Antionette Matthews thus uniting two colorful families of Irish clan and Italian heritage. Around this time, he enlisted in the National Guard and served proudly for two years. In 1966, he joined Palmer and Cay Mortgage Company as a loan originator and was later promoted to the company’s president from 1973 to 1981. Changing careers, in 1982, Michael formed Ryan Builder of Savannah, Inc., successfully building many beautiful homes and condominiums throughout Savannah, Tybee Island, and the Lowcountry area. Attaining his appraisal license, he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs and was recognized for his 45 years of extraordinary service.

Making the most of his building career and satisfying his desire to be involved, he joined many different business and community activities. Never one to sit quietly by, his gregarious nature and Irish swagger propelled him to leadership roles such as Vice President of the Mortgage Bankers Association and President of the Home Builders Association. He was awarded Builder of the Year in 1991.

An avid Georgia Bulldog fan, for decades, he had a standing-room reservation #245 at the Holiday Inn in the Heart of Athens, where he and his loving wife, Antionette, stayed to cheer on the Red and Black with a community of friends. Locally, he enjoyed his lifelong membership in the Savannah Quarterback Club, an event he looked forward to on Monday nights.

A lifelong practicing Catholic, Michael was a faithful member of the Nativity of Our Lord and later Saint Peter the Apostle Parish for over 60 years, where he served on the parish council, on the building committee for the new school and church, and as President of the Athletic Association. He enjoyed membership in and participation in Knights of Columbus Council 631. His generous contributions and continuous dedication to various projects earned him the Bishop's Garland Service Award in 2012.

A third-generation Irish American, Michael embraced his Irish heritage with gusto. At 3 years old, he was in his first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1946, carried by his father, the late Leo B. Ryan (Grand Marshal,1980), and has been in every parade for the past 80 years. Through the years, he has marched with Blessed Sacrament, Benedictine, carts, wagons, and even a green goat. For over 55 years, the Ryan, Corish, and Burke families, “The Irish Imps,” have walked/rode as a family event in the parade. Michael was a member of The Irish Heritage Society and joined the St. Patrick’s Day Committee in 1964. He served on various committees and was Vice Chairman of the Parade Committee and General Chairman in 1977. In 1996, Michael received the highest honor in the Savannah Irish Community by being elected as Grand Marshal and proudly led the St. Patrick’s Day parade that year. He continued to ride with his family and the Irish Imps, and he served as an aide to his brother, Tony Ryan, who was Grand Marshall in 2006.

Michael loved family life. Friendships and families intertwined together as his circle included ties of both the Irish and Italian families of Savannah. He adored his children and wife and shared with them his passion for life as they accompanied him through his love of his Catholic faith, football, St. Patrick’s Day, and all things Savannah. He continued to share his interests with his grandchildren and took great pleasure in supporting theirs.

Michael will be remembered as a figure larger than life. Almost everything he did, he did big and with a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. He loved life and lived fearlessly and with passion. His childhood & high school friends became lifelong accomplices in adventures both local and abroad. Michael was well known for his generous heart and sharp wit. He drew a crowd he could entertain almost anywhere he went.

He loved cars, boats, football, travel and entertaining. It was hard not to be mesmerized by this large Savannah Irishman who was the life of the party and a legend in storytelling. His presence, with such an exuberant spirit and zest for life will be forever missed.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Antionette Mathews Ryan, and their loving four children and spouses: Theresa and Jake Knapp, Chris and Alice Ryan, Michelle and Joe Brennan, and Matthew and Ashley Ryan. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, and his brothers Tony (Shirley) Ryan and Richard Ryan, nieces and nephews, cousins, and many, many loyal friends. This large and loving family brought Michael great purpose and joy during his life. May God hold him in the palm of His hand.

The visitation will be Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., with the Rosary service following at 3:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Monday, November 16, 2026. Both services will be at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church located at 7020 Concord Road Savannah, GA 31410. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, followed by a reception at Saint Peter’s Parish Center.

Pallbearers will be John Sharpley, Daniel Brennan, Reid Ryan, Kevin Ryan, Julius Davidson, Bill Shearouse, Bobby Chu. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tommy Brunson, Tom McNamara, Michael Brennan, and the Benedictine Class of 1961.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Benedictine Military School. (6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406; thebc400.com) or St. Peter the Apostle Parish (7020 Concord Road, saintpetertheapostle.com) and Hospice Savannah (1352 Eisenhower Drive, GA 31406; HSFoundation@HospiceSavannah.org)