The chairman and former chief executive of the budget fashion chain passed away following a short illness.
The Irishman opened the first Penneys shop in Dublin in 1969 before expanding to Britain in 1973 and changing its name.
Since then Primark has gone on to open 370 stores across 12 countries, employing 75,000 people.
After crossing over the Irish channel the store was renamed to avoid legal issues with American department store chain JC Penney, which had trademarked the name in Britain.
The first store in Mary Street was opened after Mr Ryan was tasked by the wealthy Weston family to open a discount clothes retailer.
He was chief executive until 2009 when he stepped into the chairman’s seat until his death.
His leadership helped cement Primark’s name on the UK high street after buying 120 former Littlewoods branches in 2005.
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