CANTON, Ohio (Oct. 29, 2002)—Kenneth J. “Ken” Ryan, former president and co-founder of Tire Centers Inc. and long-time B.F. Goodrich Rubber Co., executive, died Oct. 27 at his Canton home. He was 60.
Mr. Ryan began his tire industry career in 1967 on the staff of B.F. Goodrich where he later rose to executive status, including service both in the U.S. and internationally. He was general manager of BFG's Hose and Power Transmission Products Division in 1985 when he left the company to join with fellow BFG executive James Berlin in founding Tire Centers Inc., created by the purchase of 115 former BFG company-owned tire stores. Mr. Ryan, served as president of the Akron-based chain until 1994.
A graduate of New York City Community College, American University and Dartmouth College, he also was a U.S. Army veteran and served as a Presidential Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1967.
Mr. Ryan is survived by his wife, Roberta, two daughters, a step-son and two step-daughters.