Ralph A. “Pat” Ryland Jr., 81, of Myerstown, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was the husband of Catherine A. “Cathy” (Shepler) Ryland, to whom he was married for 58 years.
He was born in Lebanon on Jan. 31, 1944, and was the son of the late Dorothy (Wagner) and Ralph Ryland Sr. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a Sergeant and Crew Chief for four years. He was employed for 38 years by Met-Ed, GPU, and First Energy as an electrical lineman and later a line crew leader. It was his dream job, he was great at it, and he was passionate about it.
He was a life member of the Goodwill Fire Company in Myerstown, serving as a volunteer firefighter for over 40 years and eventually serving in leadership roles of chief driver, chief engineer, assistant chief, and company president, vice president, and treasurer. He was also a member of the Myerstown Rod and Gun Club, the Marion Rod and Gun Club, the Tulpehocken Trinity Church, and a former long-time member of the Myerstown United Church of Christ, where he served as an elder and usher.
He enjoyed woodworking, classic cars, hunting, fishing, golfing, spending time with family and friends, and attending and following his grandson’s athletic contests.
In addition to his wife, Cathy, he is survived by his daughter, Kristi Ryland; son, Todd Ryland, and his wife, Deb; grandson, Chad Ryland; brother, Tom Ryland; sister, Priscilla Ryland; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Ryland.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at 11 a.m., at the Tulpehocken Trinity Church, 961 Tulpehocken Road, Richland, PA, preceded by a visitation beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lebanon County Christian Ministries, 250 S. 7th St., Lebanon, PA 17042.
