Joanne Ryan

Joanne Ryan, 75, of Allentown, passed away on August 15, 2025 at Bartley Healthcare in Jackson. Born in Orange, NJ, Joanne and was married to her husband Patrick “PJ” and their marriage is a story of love, growth, support and generosity.  Early in their marriage, they moved to Beachwood, where they raised their family. When her children started school, Joanne earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Georgian Court College and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She worked at several long-term care facilities and retired as Vice President of Administration from Bartley Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. While her professional accomplishments were legion, her lasting relationships with former colleagues and employees serve as a testament to her impact and ability to lead with competence and compassion. Joanne fostered an environment that promoted improved patient care and cultivated trustworthy relationships with family members.   

Joanne was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Allentown and was a longtime volunteer for Mary’s Place by the Sea, a retreat facility for women with cancer in Ocean Grove. In her free time, Joanne loved to travel, especially to Europe, often with PJ, but sometimes with a lucky daughter, daughter-in-law, or granddaughter in tow.  Some of her happiest times were spent more locally with family and friends at the beach in Avon-by-the-Sea, or at the Belmar Fishing Club, where Joanne and PJ cherished dinners with their lifelong friends. She also enjoyed listening to music, especially the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Andrea Bocelli, and was not above joining in a rousing singalong of family favorite “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”  Joanne was loyal to her favorite sports teams, to include the New York Yankees and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  

Above all, Joanne loved her family and friends. Her motto was “Abbondanza” (Italian for “Abundance”), and it showed in all aspects of her life. She loved nothing more than bringing people together to entertain and celebrate. She loved to throw parties, which her family affectionately dubbed “Joanne Ryan Productions,” and it was at these gatherings that the family celebrated all milestones, big and small, often with homemade sauce, a tray of sausage and peppers, and a nice glass of red wine.  More than entertaining, she adored her granddaughters, affectionately known as her “grand-d’s” and truly loved spending time with them, equally enthusiastic to bring them to New York City at Christmas, to Broadway shows, and to Disney World as she was to relax at home with them and watch Food Network cooking shows.

Joanne valued lasting friendships she formed from her school years onward. She delighted in traveling, playing cards, organizing community events, and sharing evenings filled with dancing, good food, and abundant laughter. These close bonds and joyful gatherings were a testament to her warmth and the spirit of connection she brought to all who knew her.

Daughter of the late John and Mary O’Cone, she was predeceased by her sister, Michelle O’Cone. Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Patrick Ryan; her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Ryan and Christopher Holmes; her son and daughter-in-law, Patrick Ryan and Erin Fair; her granddaughters, Evelyn and Kathryn Rudich, Corinne and Mara Ryan, and Angela Holmes; her siblings, John O’Cone (Margo), Diane Fastiggi (Michael), and Michael O’Cone; her siblings by marriage, as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 5-9pm on Thursday, August 21st at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on Friday, August 22nd at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Allentown. Cremation will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joanne’s name to Mary’s Place by the Sea Inc., P.O. Box 86, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756