Fr. Joseph grew up in Saginaw and attended St. Joseph and Holy Family Catholic schools. After being ordained in 1958, Fr. Joe worked as priest and pastor at many area parishes. Most of the parishes included schools, where Fr. Joe managed the Catholic education of his parish youth. The Fr. Joseph D. Ryan Endowment Fund for Catholic School Education was created as a memorial for Fr. Joe’s passion for Catholic education. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to children who wish to attend a Catholic school in the Diocese of Saginaw, MI. The fund is open for donations, anytime from anyone.