Patrick M. Ryan
Third Generation Owner

Like his father, Pat started working in the shop as a young boy learning the trade. In the early 1990’s he was quickly learning about software/computers that would eventually transform the world and allow Modern Press to service a national market. Pat put the “Modern” back into Modern Press with a new computer-to-plate system & electronic pre-press. The new technology closed the camera room and made printing with letterpress equipment obsolete. Productivity went through the roof.

Modern Press currently processes over 5000 jobs per year with the same amount of people (10 People) that we had 20 years ago. Pat’s vision of servicing Funeral Directors beyond Albany was realized shortly after graduating from college (1997). He designed & promoted a line of non-sectarian, 8-up prayer cards. The 8-up cards have grown every year since and are shipped all over the country. In 2008 Pat launched SameDayPrayerCards.com to make it easier for Funeral Directors to order.

Pat & his crew handle every prayer card order as if it was for their very own loved one. Pat knows the life-time value of a customer and has the skills to get the job done right & on time. He even has the SameDayPrayerCards.com toll free phone number forwarded to his cell phone for after hours or weekend phone calls. 

Michael J. Ryan
President, 2nd Generation Owner

Mike grew up in the shop. As early at 12 years old he would come to the shop to distribute the type and to learn the trade. In 1971 Mike was honorably discharged from the Navy and opened the offset department at Modern Press. The new technology (offset printing) transformed Modern Press and put Modern Press on the cutting edge of printing technology.
Having the first Two Color Offset Press in Albany helped with productivity and quality. Mike hasn’t run the presses in years but he still is active with estimating and customer service. His door is always open for customers and employees. Mike’s life-time of service, years of wisdom and “can-do” / “no problem” attitude is an invaluable resource.

Patrick J. Ryan
February 26, 1919 – July 3, 1983
Founder of Modern Press – 1946

Pat was born in Tipperary, Ireland and came to NYC with is older siblings at the age of eight. As a teen, Pat enrolled in the New York School of Printing with the ambition of opening his own print shop. WWII delayed his plans but not long enough for him to forget his dream. Fresh out of the Army Air Corps, Pat, with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and two hundred dollars of borrowed money in hand, rented a storefront in Albany, New York. He was a “Job Printer” providing distinctive printing and friendly service.

Pat would print the prayer cards on a Heidelberg Windmill press with moveable hand type. To save time he would “lock up” the most popular prayers so that he would just have to type-set up the deceased name and dates.

He is remembered fondly. We still have customers that remember the classical music playing in concert with the sounds of the old-time letter-presses. Pat’s commitment to quality helped shape the future of Modern Press for generations to come. The technology has changed, but the legacy of quality and friendly service has remained.