Daniel L. Ryan

Daniel Leo Ryan (September 28, 1930 – December 31, 2015) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Springfield in Illinois from 1984 to 1999.

Daniel Ryan was born in Mankato, Minnesota, to Leonard and Irene (née Larson) Ryan. After one year at Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, Illinois, he entered Passionist Preparatory Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He then attended St. Procopius Seminary in Lisle, Illinois, from where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in classical languages in 1952. Ryan was ordained to the priesthood on May 3, 1956. He completed his postgraduate studies at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, from where he earned a Licentiate of Canon Law in 1960.

Upon his return to the United States, he did pastoral work in the Diocese of Joliet, where he served as a curate at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet, St. Joseph in Rockdale, and St. Mary Nativity in Joliet. He later served as pastor of St. Thaddeus in Joliet, and of St. Michael Parish in Wheaton. He also served as chancellor and vicar general of the diocese.