WASHINGTON (CNS) – William A. Ryan, whose career as a journalist and communicator with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops covered more than 40 years, died July 25 at the age of 79.

He retired as deputy director of communications at the USCCB in 2007 and had served a period as interim director of the Department of Communications.

Ryan began his career at the conference with National Catholic News Service in 1965 as a reporter before joining the bishops’ Office for Information as assistant director in 1970. He became director of the office in 1974.

In 2007, Ryan received the Clarion Award from the Catholic Academy for Communications Arts Professionals for his contributions to the field of Catholic communications.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, to William and Lillian Ryan, he was a longtime resident of Washington. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Mary, nine children and nine grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was to be celebrated Aug. 1 at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Washington.