Gerald L. Ryan

Gerald L Ryan, 86, of Southampton NJ, formerly of Paxton, passed away on September 15
surrounded by his loving family. An entrepreneur who reinvented himself many times over the years, Jerry was a generous man who touched many lives. He had three things he wanted to accomplish for his own entertainment: fly a plane, drive a fire truck and drive a Worcester City bus. The WTA politely declined but he did get his private pilot license and spent some years treating his family to beautiful trips around New England. He also had the chance to drive several different trucks as a member of the Paxton volunteer fire department.
Born in Worcester, Jerry graduated from Worcester Academy and attended the University of
Massachusetts and Clark University. After a time in the National Guard, Jerry married his wife of 63 years, Marguerite "Marge" Daly and moved to Pittsfield MA to become the owner of G & R Auto Parts. Eventually returning to Worcester with his young family he settled in Paxton and became a partner in the Quinsig Automotive Warehouse. He was an active volunteer fireman and founding member of the Lions Club in Paxton. Always there to cheer his children on wherever their interests lead them, Jerry was especially passionate about teaching his girls to be strong, independent women who could figure out how to do anything on their own. Blessed with his son, he reveled in everything that brought including Little League coaching and teaching him not to be afraid of tackling home improvement projects of all kinds. Jerry was always there to support everyone in their journeys to becoming adults.
Following his first retirement, Jerry traveled with Marge and his family both here and abroad. After years of volunteering, he became the Director for the Council on Aging in Paxton where he grew the membership and programs while becoming an advocate of issues for the elderly. He also learned to paint with acrylics and oils and became a pro at photography. Eventually moving with Marge to New Jersey to be near their children, he volunteered on the board of their condo development while branching his art into decorative woodworking which he sold at fairs and retail stores.
Jerry is predeceased by his parents Leo and Glenna Ryan and his daughter, Kathleen Bedard. Along with Marge, Jerry is survived by his daughters Elizabeth Ryan Swikart of Atlantic Highlands NJ and Jennifer O'Connor (Kevin) of Medford NJ as well as his son William Ryan (Erika) also of Medford NJ. Also left behind are the grandchildren he loved and enjoyed so much: James, John and Valerie Bedard; Jack, Connor and Kate Swikart; Will and Maggie O'Connor and Nick and Sophia Ryan. He was so happy to welcome his first great grandchild, Stella Bedard last year. He is also survived by his sister Sheila Morrissey (Alan) of Ocean Isle Beach NC. Jerry was a well-loved uncle by many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be held on October 20, 2025, at St. Columba's in Paxton at 10:00 am. It will be followed by interment at Mooreland Cemetery, Richards Ave, Paxton. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial donation to Lions Gate Continuing Care Retirement Community in Voorhees in gratitude for their kind and compassionate care over the last 4 months. lionsgateccrc.org/give-now/ to read Jerry's full obituary, please visit www.jerseyshorecremation.com
Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com