Ryan Beard

WEST MILFORD — Services were held for Ryan Brosnan Beard, 29, of Point Pleasant, who died on Thursday, July 28, 2016. He was the brother of Caitlin Rodgers and Mark Rodgers, both of this township.

Born in Belleville, Mr. Beard lived in Kearny for most of his childhood before moving to Point Pleasant. He worked for the Hit Doctor Baseball Academy in Cherry Hill. Previously, he was a student dean at METS Charter School, Jersey City. A baseball player, he played for Brookdale Community College, where he received his associate's degree, and pitched the team to two Junior College World Series while being named a Junior College All-American in 2006.

Later, he played for Rutgers University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in history in 2009. He had played for the Point Pleasant Merchants and coached at the Joe Wyaldyka Baseball Academy in Rutherford as well. And, he played in men's baseball and softball leagues in Cherry Hill.

Services were Wednesday at the Oceanside Memorial Home, Lake Como. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Prodigal House Foundation, c/o Father John Stbeno, 176 Stagecoach Road, Sicklerville, NJ 08081.

Mr. Beard also is survived by his parents, Diane and Michael of Wall; and his grandmother, Rosemary Robertson of Lakewood.

He was predeceased by his grandmother, Jane Beard.