Obituary of Edward J. Ryan

Edward J. Ryan, 94, of Rossmoor, Monroe Twp., NJ died peacefully at his residence on Tuesday March 21, 2017. Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Alice M. Ryan (nee Coleman), sisters Maisie Brandt, Alice Lubeck, Ann Howard, and brothers James, John, Joseph, Thomas and their spouses. He is the beloved father of Alice and Jack Murphy of Long Beach, NY, Patricia and Dennis Murphy of Chester Springs, PA., Edward and Mary Ryan of Massapequa NY, William and Heather Ryan of Wayland, MA. He will be missed by his loving grandchildren Gavin & Erin, Liam, Christopher & Lindsay, Terence, Teague, Alison, Thomas, Colin, Juliana and David and his three great granddaughters Olivia, Emery and Gracyn. He was the 8th of 9 children and is survived by one brother Francis and his wife Mary. Ed was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Ed graduated from St Mary Star of the Sea Grammar School and St Augustine High School, where he was the captain of both the baseball and basketball teams. He also was President of the Alumni Association for many years. He served in the Navy in World War II as a signalman in the Armed Guard crossing the Atlantic multiple times. He had storied careers in both the New York City Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and as the General Manager of the New York State Theater (1966 through 1988). To quote an article from the Playbill publication "In his job as General Manager, Edward J. Ryan lavishes tender loving care on the New York State Theater as if it's his baby!" He exhibited that same tender loving care on all his family as well as everyone he met. He retired to Rossmoor 29 years ago and was an active member of their Emerald Society, Brooklyn Club and many other associations. He was most proud of his Senior Olympic medals in basketball that he loved to show his grandchildren. He sang at many functions and plays in Rossmoor. He truly lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be Friday March 24, 2017 from 3-7 pm at the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home- 205 Rhode Hall Rd. Monroe Twp. NJ. Funeral Services will begin at 8:30am on Saturday March 25, 2017 from the funeral home. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 9:30am at St. James the Less RC Church – Jamesburg. Interment will follow in St. Charles' Cemetery – Farmingdale, Long Island, NY. In lieu of flowers donations in Ed's name may be made to: St James the Less RC Church. Food and Fellowship Donation 36 Lincoln Avenue Jamesburg, New Jersey 08831