Patrick J. Ryan

Patrick J. “PJ” Ryan, 77, of Allentown, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026. Born in Dunmore, PA, he grew up in East Orange, NJ. Shortly after they married, he and his wife Joanne moved to Beachwood, NJ and raised their family there. A graduate of Montclair State University and the Passaic County Police Academy, he served as a police officer for Brick Township Police Department for 25 years, retiring as Detective Sergeant. He also worked as a real estate agent for several years and was a “master of home improvements” for his family and friends both near and far.

A member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Allentown, PJ enjoyed collecting antiques and had a passion for photography. He rarely passed a flower or great view without snapping a picture, and his family joked about the “perma-smiles” he instilled in them with his enthusiastic cataloging of family activities and events. He loved sports, both watching and playing. He was a loyal season ticket holder for Seton Hall basketball for many years, and loved playing basketball for the PBA. He also spent a good deal of time on the sidelines cheering on his children’s sporting endeavors. And throughout his life, he enjoyed playing, being frustrated by, and watching golf. He was also often frustrated by his favored sports teams, the Giants and the Mets.

PJ was a true craftsman at heart. In addition to using the carpentry and building skills passed on to him by his father to renovate many a kitchen, bathroom, or DIY project of family and friends, he also enjoyed putting in time with the Belmar Fishing Club’s work crew. At the BFC, he shared wonderful times with his lifelong friends, and one year was a somewhat reluctant winner of the Club’s King Neptune crown. PJ generously shared his many talents by supporting his children’s extracurricular activities, to include giving lessons on fingerprinting technique for local scouts and crafting props for school plays.

More than a craftsman, PJ was a consummate family man. He was a staunch supporter of Joanne’s career, and took pride in all her professional achievements. Their 54-year marriage was a testament to true partnership and love. They traveled the world together with family and friends and made incredible - and sometimes hilarious - memories. He was an unwavering supporter of his children in all their accomplishments, big and small. If you asked him, he’d say he was just staying out of their way, but they felt such great support from him. His granddaughters unequivocally adored him, and he never ceased to make them think and laugh. His Donald Duck impression, a character with whom he shared a birthday, was an all-time family favorite.

Son of the late Patrick F. and Anne Ryan, he was predeceased in August 2025 by his wife of 54 years, Joanne Ryan. PJ is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Ryan and Christopher Holmes; his son and daughter-in-law, Patrick Ryan and Erin Fair; his granddaughters, Evelyn and Kathryn Rudich, Corinne and Mara Ryan, and Angela Holmes; his siblings, Mary Mace, Theresa Kulick and her husband Edmund, Margaret Sepp and her husband Harry, and James Ryan, his O’Cone and Fastiggi siblings by marriage, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held Thursday, February 12th from 5-8pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11am at St. John the Baptist RC Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Allentown, NJ. Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The National Kidney Foundation @ https://kidneytribute.rallybound.org/PJRyanMemorial.