Arthur Gerard Ryan, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away on Jan. 17, 2015.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Peggy; his children Gloria Ryan (Joe Zerega), Mary Ryan Duffy (Bill), Rob (Michele) Ryan; his grandchildren Trisha, Kristen, Casey, Clara, Kimmy, Ryan and Paul; and his sister Sr. Gloria Ryan (Maryknoll Sisters).
He was preceded in death by his sister Alice Misciagno and his brother Ray Ryan.
Ryan was born on Nov. 24, 1925, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the third of four children born to Anna and Bob Ryan. He attended St. Agnes Grammar School. After less than three years at Fort Hamilton High School, Ryan could no longer contain his desire to be a part of the Allied war effort. So in 1943, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the US Navy.
In spite of his youth, Ryan’s distinguished service earned him the rank of: Fireman, Second Class. He served primarily in the European Theater, including being a part of the heroic American effort in Normandy on D-Day. He later served in the Pacific Theater. Ryan was honorably discharged in April of 1946 earning the American Theater Medal, the European Theater Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal.
After the war, he returned to New York and, while completing the requirements to receive his High School Equivalency Diploma, he held a variety of positions at several different companies. One of those positions was at Union Marine and General Insurance Co. and it was there that he met his future bride, the beautiful and confident Peggy Quinn.
Ryan left the company after a short while but he and Peggy continued their romance and were married on June 4, 1949, in St. Peter’s Church on Staten Island. He and Peggy would raise their family on Staten Island, N.Y.
Ryan’s professional life was a testament to his generosity and his desire to help and protect his neighbor. A devout Catholic, he lived his Faith on a daily basis. As a Staten Island bus driver during the 50s, he would routinely go out of his way, figuratively speaking, to assist and inform his riders. As a NYFD firefighter at Engine 31 in Chinatown, he had many occasions to assist, protect and sometimes rescue members of the Chinatown community. Ryan particularly relished the camaraderie that he and the guys in the firehouse shared. Unfortunately he sustained an injury on duty which forced an early retirement from the department.
In the next chapter of his professional life, Ryan served as a manager for Community National Bank. His commitment to customer service earned him legions of devoted and appreciative customers and colleagues. His family members experienced even more of that kindness, generosity and love. He’s been a fiercely devoted husband to his loving bride for more than 65 years. Together they raised their three children and showed them by example how to live and love. Their seven grandchildren were so lucky to experience their Pa’s playfulness, incredible patience and sense of humor.
Ryan’s life was a perfect expression of his Catholic Faith. His love for his wife and family was boundless. His commitment to helping others was exemplary. He was gentle, kind, extremely patient and always cheerful and fun to be with. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015.
