The respected law enforcement leader will be deeply missed by the campus community.
Stonehill College mourns the loss of Chief of Campus Police Rochelle Ryan ’18, who passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the age of 60.
“For more than 20 years, Chief Ryan served our campus community with distinction and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the College,” President John Denning, C.S.C., said. “Her leadership demonstrated an approach to public safety defined by compassion and respect for all. Her positive impact will continue to inspire us to lead with the same commitment to service that she exemplified throughout her life and career.”
Chief Ryan was born on November 1, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Willie Wilson and the late Odell Wilson Jr. The eldest of 11 children, she was raised in Brockton, Massachusetts.
She began her distinguished career in law enforcement with the Weymouth Police Department, where she faithfully served from 1989 to 1995. She then joined the Stonehill College Campus Police Department as a patrol officer in 2002. Throughout her time at Stonehill, she advanced through the ranks, eventually being named Chief of Campus Police in 2021. Reflecting on her approach to leadership in a past issue of Stonehill Alumni Magazine, Chief Ryan said, “The definition of a challenge to me is an opportunity to improve a situation.”
A proud Stonehill alumna, Chief Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology in 2018 while continuing her full-time duties with Campus Police, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact.
Beyond her distinguished career, Chief Ryan was the beloved wife of Stanley Ryan, with whom she shared 36 years of marriage. Her memory will be cherished by her children, Shanelle (Nelly) Toney, M ’Kenzi Ryan and Alyssa Ryan; her grandsons, JR Flemon-Wilson and Legend Hendrick; her siblings, Odell Wilson III (Cynthia) of Minnesota, Roosevelt Wilson (Lakisha), Renee Finch (Eric), Rodney Wilson (Kathleen), Ramona Bowman (Vincent), Peter Harris, Rynard Wilson, Rashad Wilson (Bianca), Renaldo Wilson and Ronique Wilson; 39 nieces and nephews; 13 great-nieces and great-nephews; her godchildren; her god-siblings; and a host of extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.