It is with a heavy heart that the family of Dr. Patricia Ryan announce that she has departed this life Tuesday, June 30, 2026, will her brother at her side. Her family and friends will treasure all the sweet lifetime memories of time spent together.
Pat will most be remembered for her brilliant mind and her academic achievements earning a Ph.D in Political Science from West Virginia University in 1972.
She loved to travel and traveled extensively worldwide. Who can forget Pat’s love of animals and especially her little Erica. But the fondest memories are of Pat’s kindness and caring for others. And of course, her charming, beautiful accent will always be remembered.
Patricia Mafalda Francesca Peghini was born in Cairo, Egypt September 21, 1939. Her parents, Peter R. and Yolanda D’Andrea Peghihi, were Italian citizens residing in Egypt. Pat grew up in Cairo, surviving the German invasion of North Africa in World War II, the Arab revolution of 1952 and the Israeli war. Even still, she had a wonderful social life and learned to be proficient at fencing and loved to read.
Pat earned a diploma in general studies in 1960 at the American College for Girls, Cairo, Egypt, then studied political science at the American University in Cairo earning her B.A. with honors in 1962. She then came to the United States to study at Mount Holyoke College, where she obtained a Certificate in Graduate Studies in History and Political Science. She then went on to obtain her M.A. in Political Science at West Virginia University in 1965. Pat completed her Ph.D in Political Science at West Virginia University in 1972. During that time, she became a United States citizen in 1969 and was an Italian citizen with Egyptian residence prior to that.
Pat became a professor of political science at Fairmont State College, where she taught for over 50 years with a special focus on the Middle East and International Relations.
Pat met and married her dear Walter in 1965 and they enjoyed 44 years together until Walter passed away in 2009. Pat and Walter lived in Morgantown, and Pat continued living in Morgantown after Walter’s death.
Growing up in Cairo, Pat became fluent in French, Italian, Arabic and English, with some Greek and enjoyed conversing with others as she traveled worldwide.
Pat is survived by her brother, Peter P. Sullivan and wife Glenna of Montgomery, Texas.
Pat was interred with her husband, Walter, at the West Virginia National Cemetery Thursday, July 2.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service, officiated by Pastor Junius Lewis, at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, in Harmony Assisted Living off of Point Marion Road.
Pat’s favorite charities were ASPCA and Animal Friends. The family has asked for memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, and plans to establish a Dr. Patricia Ryan scholarship fund at Fairmont State in her memory.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
