Kevin Ryan (politician)
Kevin Ryan | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 139th district | |
| In office January 3, 1993 – November 23, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Alex Knopp (Redistricted) |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 1, 1952 Fitchburg, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | November 23, 2025 (aged 73) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Villanova University (B.A., B.S.) University of New Haven (M.A.) Pennsylvania College of Optometry (B.S., O.D.) |
| Occupation | Adjunct professor |
Kevin Ryan (August 1, 1952 – November 23, 2025) was an American Democratic Party politician who served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 139th district, which included parts of Montville, Ledyard and Norwich, from 1993 until his death in 2025.[1]
Early life
Ryan was born on August 1, 1952.[2] He attended Villanova University, earned a master's degree from the University of New Haven, and earned a doctorate degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.[3]
Career
Prior to his political career, Ryan taught physics at the University of New Haven as an adjunct professor.[4] He also was a justice of the peace and served on the Montville Board of Education.[5]
Ryan was first elected in 1992 to represent Ledyard, Norwich, and Montville of the 139th Connecticut House of Representatives district.[3] Ryan was last elected in 2024, after defeating Republican Mark Adams by over 1000 votes.[6] Ryan served on the House Appropriations Committee, Public Health Committee, and Environment Committee.[1] He also chaired the House Labor Committee for eight years.[7]
In 2024, Ryan served as the chair of the Council of State Governments.[7]
Personal life and death
Ryan was arrested three times for driving under the influence; upon his third conviction in 2001, he served 120 days in prison while the state legislature was in recess.[3][4]
Ryan died on November 23, 2025, at the age of 73.[8][9] At the time, he had been in hospice care after being treated for cancer.[3] Several state politicians expressed their condolences regarding his death.[7] Connecticut governor Ned Lamont ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Ryan.[9]
References
- ^ a b Ballotpedia. "Kevin Ryan (Connecticut)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
- ^ "139th House District". Hartford Courant. October 31, 1996. p. 344. Archived from the original on November 24, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d Pazniokas, Mark (November 24, 2025). "CT state Rep. Kevin Ryan dies in hospice at 73". CT Mirror. Connecticut News Project. Archived from the original on November 24, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Gurciullo, Brianna; Dixon, Ken (November 24, 2025). "CT state Rep. Kevin Ryan, one of the House's longest-serving members, dies". Stamford Advocate. Hearst Media Services.
- ^ Silva, Sofia Acosta (November 24, 2025). "State Rep. Kevin Ryan dies at 73". The Day. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ Smith, Greg (November 6, 2024). "Kevin Ryan secures 17th term in 138th House District". The Day. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c Keating, Christopher (November 24, 2025). "Longtime CT legislator dies; Lawmakers mourn colleague as warm, witty and a trusted mentor". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on November 24, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ Glatz, Jennifer. "State Rep. Kevin Ryan passed away Sunday". FOX 61. Tegna Inc. Archived from the original on November 24, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Polansky, Rob (November 24, 2025). "Flags lowered to half-staff for death of State Rep. Kevin Ryan". WFSB. Gray Media. Archived from the original on November 24, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.