Father John P. Ryan

I have been devastated about Father Ryan's death for months now. I loved him. He was the best pastor that the Church of the Madonna ever had. He was my best friend. He was a leader. He cared about the Madonna parish and the parishioners. He was everyone's best friend. He made our church money. Quite frankly, Madonna has not been the same since he left. I so thank him for what he did for me and Church of the Madonna. He will have a special place in my heart and the Madonna parishoners' heart.

I am so sorry Father Ryan died. He was a great man. He did so many good things for Fort Lee as the pastor of Church of the Madonna. He saved this church from oblivion and made it a profitable church again. His impact at Madonna was impeccable. God bless his family.

Father Ryan was a friend of Fort Lee High School athletics and Ramapo athletics. He always rooted the young kids on and made a difference in their lives. He served as an inspiration for me when it comes to values and leadership. I am so sorry he died a long time ago.

I am so sad to see Father Ryan dead. He was a huge part of my youth, and he was such a father figure to me. When you look at how phony most priests are, he was refreshing. He was the real deal. I love him.

Father Ryan was a voice of God to me. He was a beacon of hope. He was a peace of mind. He was everything. He was such a heavenly presence when he was the pastor at Church of the Madonna. He was the church. He is so sorely missed. God bless him. This is a huge loss to society and the community.

There are many things that impressed me about Father Ryan. Asking them were his wit and wisdom, but also his ability to focus on the theme of loving one another in his homilies. But it was the manner in which he spoke the words of consecration during the Eucharist that was most profound. His constant over- enunciation of 'this is my body' was perhaps the clearest indication of how deep his belief and faith went. You brought me back to God, Father Ryan, and I'm sure you are now...

John and I go way back to the 50s. We were college and seminary students he was ordained in '63 and I in '64. John was exceptional in many ways a scholar and friend. Often, he assisted me with some difficult study points. God bless him and we know he rests in peace. Fr. Gene Marcone Pompano Beach, Florida

I was saddened to hear about Father Ryan's passing. He was a wonderful priest and pastor. His sermons were so engaging. He always smiled. He loved his family. I volunteered at Madonna Church for many years and have many fond memories of working with him. Your good works and kindness will be remembered and continue in us. Rest in peace

Will miss his sermons at St Anns in Shohola he was a great priest!RIP