KINGFIELD and CHINA – Fulton Ryan, 85, passed away Tuesday May 7, 2024, from complications related to dementia. He was born April 23, 1939, the son of Edward Thomas Ryan Jr. and Mary (O’Connor) Ryan of Springfield, Massachusetts. Fulton attended Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts and graduated in June of 1957. He graduated from the University of New England-St Francis College in June of 1961. Fulton also earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Maine at Farmington.
He served 2 years in the United States Army, stationed in Italy. He married his wife, JoAnn Randazzo on August 7, 1965, in Italy. After leaving the military, Fulton returned to Rhode Island with his wife to teach for one year. He started teaching French and Social Studies in 1966 at the old Kingfield High School. Fulton coached girls’ basketball and softball at the old Kingfield High School. Fulton then went to the Mt. Abram High School located in Salem Township, in 1969 where he taught, mostly Social Studies until retiring in 2003. Starting in 1972, Fulton taught driver education at Mt. Abram High School for 30 years. He also coached the boys and girls’ track team. Fulton has been a member of the Norton Wuori Legion Post #61, Kingfield Senior Citizens, Maine State Retired Teachers Association, volunteer firefighter for the town of Kingfield and the Masons Mount Abram Lodge #204 A.F. & A.M.
Fulton has served on a variety of boards with the town of Kingfield. Fulton and his wife raised their three children in Kingfield, Maine. He loved spending time with his family, fishing, watching the Boston Bruins and decorating for holidays.
He was predeceased by his wife, JoAnn (Randazzo) Ryan; parents, Edward, and Mary Ryan; in-laws, Nicholas, and Lynette Randazzo; siblings, Aurthur Ryan, Edward Ryan, Marilyn (Ryan) Dunphy, Lois Ryan, Celine (Ryan) Paquette; brother-in-law’s, Michael Randazzo and Larry Paquette.
He is survived by his three children, John and wife Laurie of Cumberland, Theresa and husband Michael Wight of China, and Thomas of Lewiston; five grandchildren, Nicholas Ryan (Emily), Mark Beahm (Timo), David Beahm (Adam), Katherine Wight, and Christopher Wight; sister-in-law, Eleanor Ryan and brother-in-law, Nicky Randazzo (Susan); numerous colleagues, friends, and countless students.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday May 17, 2024, at 10:00 am with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am at Western Mountains Baptist Church, 928 Carrabassett Road, New Portland Maine. Refreshments will follow in the church dining hall. A graveside service will be held on Thursday May 30, 2024, at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta Maine, at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 225N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601 act/alz.org/donate
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.
Great teacher, great man.
My comments about Mr Ryan are from a graduate of the last class, 1969 of Kingfield high school. His lessons from three years of Parisian French were adequate to help me enjoy a friendship with a girl from lennoxville, Quebec
Through my college years at the university of Maine in Orono. However those French lessons were relatively inadequate for getting into a liberal arts college. Probably more studying and less socializing would have helped me.
My children had Fulton during their time at mount Abram high school. Attending Dartmouth and Syracuse universities,
I moved along with my parents in Kingfield attending senior citizens activities till this date.
The group always has an update on Fulton.
I feel grateful and thankful to have known Fulton and his golden retriever and his children for most of my lifetime. Certainly the four years of high school, and fifty five years as a resident of kingfield.
Mr Ryan was a teacher and a friend that I looked up to..such an amazing man. He got me thru high school when I wanted to quit..he taught my boys to drive…he was a good man!
RIP Mr Ryan
Tom, So very sorry to read of your dad’s passing. He certainly touched many lives during his years teaching at Mt. Abram. Condolences to you and your family.
RIP Mr. Ryan… and I still brake for squirrels.
John, Theresa, Tom
So sorry to hear about your dad.
He was a good man.
Thinking of you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss Teresa, John and Tom he was such a good person and will be missed.