Matthew J. Ryan

Matthew J. Ryan (April 27, 1932 – March 29, 2003) was an American politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Delaware County from 1963 to 1968 and from the 168th district from 1969 to 2003 including as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1981 to 1983 and again from 1995 to 2003.

Early life and education Ryan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was a 1950 graduate of Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned a degree from Villanova University in 1954 and a law degree from Villanova University School of Law in 1959. Ryan served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956.

Career Ryan was first elected to represent the 168th legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1962. In a 2002 PoliticsPA Feature story designating politicians with yearbook superlatives, he was named the "Most Popular."

Legacy The "Speaker Matthew J. Ryan Building" on the state capitol grounds The Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania is named in his honor.

In 1999, the Capitol Annex of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg was renamed the Speaker Matthew J. Ryan Legislative Office Building. The Ryan Center is run by professors Dr. Brian Satterfield and Dr. Jordan Watts as well as student co-presidents Liam Higgins and Nicholas Shapkarov.