George and Beatrice Ryan Scholarship Fund

George and Beatrice Ryan established this Fund to provide scholarships for higher education to students graduating from secondary schools in the region serviced by the Valley Community Foundation.

When he left the service after World War II, George Ryan had a decision to make: what should he do with the rest of his life? With aid from the GI Bill, the Shelton resident jumped with both feet into the automotive industry he had come to love as a kid while pumping gas at his uncle's gas station. Years later, this man is still passionate about the career that has taken him from the gas pumps to running the successful Curtiss-Ryan Honda car dealership. And now he's eager to share his passion and extend a helping hand to others who enter the ?eld.

"I always thought I should give back to the community," says Ryan, who has been active on various community boards, including the Shelton Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. "It supports me. I think I should support it."

Ryan chose to do that in 2004 by establishing with the Valley Community Foundation, the George J. Ryan Scholarship Fund. It will be used to provide scholarships to students active in the Boys and Girls Club who are planning to study automotive administration, sales or technology.

"This business has evolved into a very high-tech industry today and needs quali?ed people," says Ryan who has requested of family and friends that they donate to the endowed fund in lieu of gifts for him, or if they are looking for a charity to support. "I'm hoping that this scholarship fund will serve as an inducement to boys and girls to consider going on to further their training and education and enter this ?eld where there is tremendous opportunity."

George Ryan passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Sunday, October 2, 2022 with his loving family by his side. Read the obituary.