John Joseph Ryan, Jr. of Madison died on January 17, 2011 of cancer that had been diagnosed six weeks earlier. Born at home on Ferry Street in New Haven on April 14, 1930, he was the only child of John Joseph Ryan and Eleanor Molloy Ryan. He was a big man with a quiet laugh. He was very much like the lighthouses he enjoyed so much - tall and strong, a constant guide. His favorite meal was anything that included mashed potatoes. He loved playing cribbage, travelling, square dancing, taking photos, gardening and getting to church early for the 5:00 Mass. His pride and joy, besides his family, was his beautifully tended lawn and garden. North Conway, NH was a special place for him, and he visited the White Mountains often. Every morning, he checked the Mt. Washington Observatory website, to read the summit weather report. A graduate of St. Francis School and St. Mary's Academy in New Haven, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as a salesman for Scott Paper before joining the Southern New England Telephone Company in 1955, retiring as a budget supervisor in 1985. After his retirement, he enjoyed working at Page Hardware and Appliance Co. in Guilford. A man of deep faith, he was a devoted parishioner of St. Margaret Church in Madison for more than 46 years, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He loved his bride of almost 59 years, Marilyn Cyphers Ryan, more than words can express. In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children: Susan Sylvester and her husband, Richard, of Simpsonville, SC; Timothy Ryan of Baltimore, MD; Lynn Ginter and her husband, David, of Clinton; Karen Green and her husband, Timothy, of Meriden; Maureen LaBoa and her husband, Anthony, of Trumbull; and John J. Ryan III and his wife, Ellen, of Westford, MA. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren: Richard, Michael and Katherine Sylvester; Michael, Christopher and Jennifer Ryan; David, Stephen and Kathleen Ginter; Sarah, Nicholas and Matthew Green; Kathleen and Jackson LaBoa; and John J. Ryan IV and Brendan Ryan. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren: Jayden and Hannah Sylvester. He was predeceased by an infant son, Kevin Patrick. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Margaret's RC Church, 29 Academy St, Madison, on Thursday, January 20 at 10am. Burial will take place privately. Friends may call on Wednesday January 19 from 4–8pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street; Guilford CT. For more information or to send an online condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Ryan

13 Entries

Jeffrey Pardo

January 26, 2011

Marilyn and family - I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was such a kind and thoughtful man. I often spoke to him in passing in the parking lot next to your home, when I came to visit my father. Jack and I conversed on many subjects. My father also spoke fondly of Jack and had mentioned that Jack brought his mail to him during his time of difficulty. They did have a common thread, they both served in the U.S. Air Force and both served in Korea, during the conflict. I will say a prayer for you, Jack and your family, and also when I attend Mass this Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Halifax Ma. I wish you and your family peace.

Susan Banning

January 25, 2011

Lynn, Dave, David, Stephen, Kate and family,
What a wonderfully written tribute to your father and grandfather. We are very sorry for your loss. Mr. Ryan sounds like he was an inspiration, and tonight, we shall dine on something with mashed potatoes in his honor.
Hugs from Sue, Chuck and children

Kim Pardo

January 22, 2011

Marilyn and family - so sorry to hear the news that Jack has passed on - not sure if knowing ahead of time or having the end sneak up on you is best but Jack will be remembered fondly by all of us - on a personal note he was a great neighbor to Dad and helped him tremendously with his own sturggles with cancer - I am sure that Dad and Jack are now having quite the conversation and enjoying each others company in their new homes...Glad that your family is near for comfort though your difficult time.

Jim & Karen Greenwood

January 19, 2011

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln
Jack certainly filled his years with service and love; to his family, to his country and community and to his faith. He is an inspiration to all he touched. Our heartfelt thoughts to his family...

Beth and Mark Schultz

January 19, 2011

Lynn, Dave, and family,
We pray that you will be comforted in the loss of your beloved father and grandfather. Know that there are many who are lifting you up so you may know peace.
Love, Mark and Beth Schultz

January 19, 2011

Our prayers our with youand your family,
we have heard nothing but great things about Jack from Dolly and Jerry over the years.

Dee and Tom Ginter

Barbara Hendricks

January 19, 2011

Marilyn and family, as the days and weeks pass, and you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Jack was a very special person,and I will never forget his kindness to Peter, especially as Peter's "mail carrier".
May your faith and God's love sustain you all. Love, Barbara Hendricks

Ann Osborne

January 19, 2011

Karen, Tim and Family, Our hearts are very saddened by the loss of Mr. Ryan. Please know that many prayers for peace are being sent to all of you and know you are surrounded by love. Ann and Melissa Osborne

Kathy Cyphers Kirk

January 19, 2011

Uncle Jack was a gentle giant, a sweet and funny man, though not as funny as Aunt Marilyn, with her scathingly dry wit. I am saddened to hear of his passing and wish all of my Connecticut relatives comfort. There is peace in the knowledge that life with the Lord is everlasting. Much love,

Michael Coogan

January 19, 2011

A beautiful portrait of Uncle Jack, thanks for sharing all that. He was as big and strong and sure and dependable as a lighthouse, with a heart that was bigger! God blessed us to know him, God bless you all now as you carry on Uncle Jack's faith and love! Praying with you all from a distance, Mike

Carol & Gil Maghakian

January 19, 2011

May your sadness fade with the knowledge that God has a new Angel to be by His side and tend His garden.
May God send His healing love to comfort all of you at this difficult time.
We send our prayers and love to each of you for your great loss.

January 18, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. His pride of his family was always so evident, he left an amazing legacy. Our thoughts are with the whole family... Love, Carol, Dave, AJ & Cooper Fasulo

Cathy Neptune

January 18, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories and faith guide you through and keep you strong.

In Faith,

The Neptune Family

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