Seaford, New York
Calming Instructions
In the 22 months since his birth, Michael Quinn has learned to enjoy many things, but moments with his grandfather Matthew Ryan were highlights. The two played ball. They walked. They collaborated in the gloriously messy business of washing cars, outside the Ryan home in Seaford, N.Y. Mr. Ryan's wife, Margaret, said Matthew "would take the hose, squirt it all around, squirt the car, squirt Grandpa. Mostly he just got himself soaked."
Matthew Ryan, 54, loved all things Irish and all things family. He also loved to listen to the disc jockey Vin Scelsa play classic rock on the "Idiot's Delight" show on radio, and loved playing or watching hockey.
Matthew Ryan's 28-year career took him from Engine Company 280 in Brooklyn, to Engine Company 43 in the Bronx, where he was a lieutenant, back to to Engine Company 280 as captain and then to Manhattan in September 2000 as a battalion chief. In the heat of a fire, he would whisper calming instructions in younger firefighters' ears, Mrs. Ryan said. "They always felt more confident when Matty was on duty."
On Saturday evenings, many members of Engine 280 still listen to "Idiot's Delight."
Hi there, my name is Morgan Sobanja. I live on Waiheke Island in New Zealand. I´m a firefighter and on 911 I will be climbing the sky tower in Auckland for Mathew on this Memorial Day. I´m so sorry for your loss! Rest easy fellow firefighter brother. I´ll be thinking of you and your family.
Morgan Sobanja
July 07, 2024 | Other
Miss you so much. I hate September 1st because it just means another year you're gone.
September 02, 2022
Hi dad. It's my 39th birthday. I lost you at 18. I HATE that you've been gone more than half my life. I HATE it. But I still remember the last thing you said to me. I wish I had known it was going to be the last. I was such a freaking brat. You told me you loved me and... The last thing I said to you was, "yea ok. I'll see you next weekend' Elizabeth misses you even though she never met you, but she remembers when you visited her as a child. I found pictures today that reminded me of how...
Meaghan
January 24, 2022
Never forget where we were when the news broke Sept 11th.
Saw your uniform in the museum
John Delaney
Birdhill
Co Tipperary
Ireland
John Delaney
October 21, 2020 | Acquaintance
Sincerely hoping that this time our message of heartfelt sympathy to your family will appear on this site. Always may God give his strength and comfort. Matthew is still sadly missed by others. He touched many lives and will always be loved and deeply appreciated.
The Kindred Family
November 28, 2019
Happy 50th anniversary.
Life had different plans for you and mom, but nonetheless 50 years ago today our family was formed. Love and miss you more than words can express.
Meaghan Ryan
November 08, 2019 | Middle Island, NY | Daughter
18 years ago today....I have NO idea what went on that day. But 18 years ago today, you were HERE, and now you're not. I wish I had known to make it a day to remember. I wish I had known the end was so close.
I'm not ready for September. I'm not ready for you to be gone longer than I had you. I wasnt ready then. And I'm not ready now.
831
July 28, 2019
In a few hours it is your birthday. A day where everyone remembers you...yet I remember you everyday.
I miss you more than I ever thought possible.
I miss your corny jokes and how you had a sing song response for EVERYTHING. I do it now and drive Elizabeth crazy...she has no idea I learned from the BEST.
Happy birthday Daddy. You're missed beyond words.
Even music cant do it justice.
But, my song to US...
https://youtu.be/WY2-hUoq3iQ
Meaghan Ryan
June 22, 2019 | Middle Island, NY | Family
Im pretty sure Matt is Burried next to my mom in flushing. Gadamowitz.
Cant help but feel like neighbors....just wanted u to know that I am so happy that my parents are buried next to a hero.
[email protected]
Rob G
Rob Gadamowitz
May 17, 2019 | Greenlawn, NY | Friend
