Kevin Ryan | |
|---|---|
| Member of theConnecticut House of Representatives from the139th district | |
| In office January 3, 1993 – November 23, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Alex Knopp (Redistricted) |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1952-08-01)August 1, 1952 |
| Died | November 23, 2025(2025-11-23) (aged 73) |
| Political 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 AmericanDemocratic Party politician who served as a member of theConnecticut House of Representatives from the 139th district, which included the town ofBozrah, as well as parts ofMontville andNorwich, from 1993 until his death in 2025.[1]
Ryan was born on August 1, 1952.[2] He attendedVillanova University, earned amasters' degree from theUniversity of New Haven, and earned adoctorate degree from thePennsylvania College of Optometry.[3]
Prior to his political career, Ryan taughtphysics at theUniversity of New Haven as anadjunct professor.[4] He also was ajustice of the peace and served on theMontville Board of Education.[5]
Ryan was first elected in 1992 to representLedyard,Norwich, andMontville of the 139thConnecticut House of Representatives district.[3] Ryan was last elected in 2024, after defeatingRepublican 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 theCouncil of State Governments.[7]
Ryan was arrested three times fordriving 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 inhospice care after being treated for cancer.[3] Several state politicians expressed their condolences regarding his death.[7] Connecticut governorNed Lamont ordered flags to be flown athalf-staff in honor of Ryan.[9]