‘Godfather’ of public libraries, mentor, ‘strong mayor’ champion: Springfield’s Charles V. Ryan remembered

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SPRINGFIELD — Friends remember Charles V. Ryan and new bride Joan holding campaign signs amid the future mayor’s first run for public office in 1952.

Ryan was running for Governor’s Council in a crowded field of 17 candidates. He and his wife were equally passionate about public service, longtime family friend Barbara Garvey recalled after the two-time mayor died early Monday following a brief illness.

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