Obituary of Norb Ryan

Norb Ryan, 76, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The husband of Barbara Augustyn Ryan, Norb was born October 8, 1946, to the late Patrick and Adele Rohr Ryan in East Cleveland, Ohio.  

Norb was a legendary, lifelong advocate for people with disabilities, helping thousands through his work at Cardinal Hill, Child Development Center of the Bluegrass, and Human Development Institute, and through countless presentations to groups across the country. As Kentucky State ADA Coordinator, he was relentless in his work to ensure accessibility and equality in every space, from state parks and libraries to airports and voting booths. His long list of awards and honors includes induction to the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

Norb was inspirational to so many. And he built a legacy of advocates in his wake, educating parents and doctors and police officers and so many others about the rights of people with disabilities and how to support their autonomy and self-determination.

His family will remember him with love and admiration. He led by example, motivated to overcome any limitation others might assume of him, fearless in his resolve to achieve absolutely anything he set his mind to.

In addition to his loving wife of 50 years, Norb is survived by his daughter, Jen (George Rousos) Ryan of Lexington; a son, Matt (Cori Bryan) Ryan of Louisville; sister, Meaghan Ryan of Ohio; a brother, Pat (Sharon Kelley) Ryan of Ohio; and his grandchildren, Melina Rousos, Maya Rousos, and Joe Ryan.  

In addition to his parents, Patrick and Adele Rohr Ryan, Norb was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Proudfoot. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at St Leo Church in Versailles, Kentucky on June 30th 11 am with Visitation preceding at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial contributions to Bluegrass Care Navigators https://www.bgcarenav.org/give or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate.