Oct 16, 2023

Brian W. Ryall, 54, passed at home on October 11, 2023 after a tough fight with cancer surrounded by family.

He was born on November 18, 1968, in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of Larry and Shirley Albright Ryall of Penn Hills.

He was the proud father of three sons, John 28, Gabriel 12, and Elias 10, and the beloved husband of Susan Marvin 41.

Brian described his life as “half a century of glorious life” and he lived every moment to the fullest. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth, which at the time had a life expectancy of 2-4 years, he had a double lung transplant in 1999, at the age of 30, a date he celebrated each year. Prior to the transplant, he graduated from Penn Hills High School, achieved his first bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, and had his oldest son.

Six months post-transplant Brian competed in his first transplant Olympics. With that event finished, he earned yet another bachelor’s degree, followed by a masters before he began working in the technology sector, becoming a sought-after software engineer in a niche area of the industry. He also earned his black belt in Tang Soo Do through C.S. Kim Karate where he was often joined in attendance by John.

Brian and Susan met in 2006, while attending euchre night at a mutual friend’s home. They married October 18, 2008 and later welcomed Gabriel and Elias through adoption. Following their marriage, Brian delved into glass art, a love that began with stained glass prior to his transplant. He started with fused glass, then moved into making hot glass “furnace work” through classes at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. He developed a huge network of friends in the glass community over more than a decade, even managing to pull all three of his sons and his wife into each sharing his love of glass making. He also continued on in Tang Soo Do, and brought both younger boys into the sport with him. Brian loved spending time with his family and friends, and tried everything from curling, to bungee jumping, and white-water rafting.

Brian was granted what he called “24 extra years” due to his double lung transplant and a very dedicated team at UPMC Presbyterian headed by Dr. Joseph Pilewski.

Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, sons, and parents. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Amy (Randy) Pawell of San Jose, Calif.; nieces, Diana and Connie Pawell; nephews and niece, Leo, Daniel, and Olivia Cottrell; nieces, Emma and Anna Marvin; Uncle Bill (Edie) Ryall, many cousins, in-laws, and countless friends.

Arrangements by Beinhauer-Bogan, 164 West Pike St., Canonsburg, PA 15317, 724-338-8719. There will be no immediate services, but a celebration of life will be planned in the future. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Pittsburgh Glass Center at www.pittsburghglasscenter.org.