Raymond Ryan Obituary
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Raymond James Ryan, born on February 15, 1942, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. A devoted father, grandfather, educator, and friend, Ray lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to his community.
Ray was a longtime principal of Toms River High School North, where he left an indelible mark on generations of students and faculty. Known for his unwavering commitment to education and leadership, he became a beloved figure in the Toms River community. His legacy was honored with the naming of the school's baseball field after him, a testament to his profound impact. Countless individuals share cherished memories of Ray as their principal, and his presence in the town was unmistakable-he never went anywhere in Toms River without running into someone who knew him from North.
Ray retired in 1998 to enjoy his growing family and to spend precious time with the love of his life, Judy. Together, they embraced a life of love and adventure, often seen walking the beaches of Seaside Park and St. Augustine, Florida, where they had a second home. The winters in St. Augustine were filled with golf, fine dining, and long strolls along the shore, making wonderful memories with friends and family.
Ray was predeceased by his parents John and Rose Ryan, sister Eileen Ryan Yeasky, his beloved wife, Judy, and his eldest son, Gary S. Ryan. He is survived by his devoted son, Jeffrey Ryan, and his wife, Colleen, of Forked River; his loving daughter, Stacey Ryan, of Toms River; and his six cherished grandchildren-Tyler and Trevor Ryan, Mackenzie and Connor Ryan, and Amanda and Kelley Buscio. Ray's family was the center of his world, and he treasured every moment spent with them.
Ray was a man of great integrity, kindness, and warmth. His loss is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was not only a respected educator but also a devoted father and grandfather whose love and guidance shaped many lives.
A Memorial Gathering will be offered on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 11 am to 4 pm at Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River, New Jersey.
Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting: www.ryanfuneralhome.com
Ray Ryan was deeply loved, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. He will forever be remembered, cherished, and missed.
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Tom Solosky
March 26, 2025
Condolences from the family of Jeanette Solosky.
Kelley Buscio
March 19, 2025
My sweet Pop-Pop. I am truly at a loss of words. You were the most special person. I feel so lucky to have had the privilege of knowing and loving you. You helped raise me, never missed a dance recital or a cheer game, and were there everyday during my scoliosis journey. I can´t believe you are gone. I will miss you for the rest of my life. Keep Mama and Gary company up in heaven. You´ll always be my Pop Pop. I love you forever
Renee Wallach Kitay
March 13, 2025
Mr. Ryan was my principal when I graduated from TRN in 1989. He was very devoted to his students, and I remember him fondly. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
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Dick and Sue Clark
March 11, 2025
I will truly miss Ray, the best friend a guy could have had for 50 years. He was an outgoing, caring guy and one I could always make laugh with a remark or an impression. If you didn´t know Ray when you attended a party or gathering, you knew him by the end of the affair. My wife, Sue, and I and Judy and Ray spent many vacations together...close to 20 cruises. Along with every New Year´s Eve and New Year´s Day. I introduced him to golf and Ray became a very accomplished player.
Ray was a man of motion and always had to be doing something; from painting a room to changing the oil in his cars. If Sue or I ever needed a favor or help, he was always there with a smile and a glad hand.
I always said if you can´t get along with Ray, you can´t get along with anybody.
Ray is with Judy and Gary now, but I bet he is busy doing something .
I´ll miss you, man.
Love and hugs to you all.
Dick and Sue
Dena DaSilva
March 11, 2025
Stacey, Jeff, Colleen, and the extended Ryan family,
I'm so heartbroken to hear this news. You've all endured so much. I'm sure you know your father, Ray, touched the lives of SO many people. He was a very special human, and we're all so lucky to have had him grace our lives. He played a pivotal role in my life and the lives of many during our teen years as principal (and friend) to us all at TRHS North. His genuine kindness was unmatched. His caring advice, life-changing. He always had a way of making you feel like you mattered.
What gives me just a little peace is knowing how tight-knit this family is. The Ryan family has always been a remarkable force-your warmth, togetherness and strength are admired. That´s the legacy Ray left. It´s reassuring to know that the same love will carry you through this difficult time.
So many of us will hold him close to heart. His Spirit lives on through our fondest memories of him. Sending deepest condolences, love and strength to you all. And to you, Mr. Ryan, a heartfelt thank you. You hold a special place in my heart, forever.
With all my love and sympathy,
Dena
Pam Blair
March 11, 2025
Dear Jeff, Stacey and family We were so sorry to hear about your dad! He was such a wonderful man! Your parents were the very best neighbors and it was a blessing to live across the street from them! We are all sending you our love and prayers! Love Pam, Amanda, Andrew and Chris.
Barbara Foley
March 10, 2025
Mr. Ryan was such a kind, straightforward, supportive individual, and it was my honor to reconnect with him at our class of 1979 reunion in November, 2019. He greeted me without any introduction, said "Holy, Moley, it´s Barbara Foley," as we gave each other a hug, talked about me getting my Ph.D. In psychology and setting up a private practice in Michigan, took a great photo and he asked about my Mom, who adored him. What a dear man. He will be missed. Sending heartfelt wishes to his family, and all those whose lives he influenced.
Kelly McDermitt-Zuzic TRHSN `79
March 10, 2025
Everyone who was lucky enough to have Mr. Ryan as their principal of TRHSNorth loved him. He always kept in touch with me, long after graduating in 1979. He attended our reunions, sent us messages to the " Mighty Mariners" and remembered many names and faces. He was such an important part of so many lives. Condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Kelly McDermitt-Zuzic TRHSN class of `79
Gary Charmel
March 10, 2025
I graduated TRN in 1982. I really believe it was a golden era of great teachers, coaches, and administrators, many of whom influenced me to this day. Ray Ryan provided amazing leadership and he was the definition of a servant leader, what is what many managers today in all businesses and organizations aspire to be. Ray put people first-and he got respect because he showed respect to all. While it is sad for me to know that he passed, I´m happy he lived such a full life and he influenced so many so positively.
Cheryl P Hanna
March 10, 2025
Ray was the principal of TRN when I started teaching English. He was supportive, kind and fun. Time has flown by so quickly; may you rest in peace Ray, and thank you for always being so positive.
Rick Clark
March 9, 2025
My parents were best friends with Ray and Judy for over 50 years. As my parents and I would say love.
Margaret Camenzind
March 9, 2025
Mr Ryan was a great person. I had him as a principal at Tomsriver high school north. He will be miss. Rip
Alice Kiel
March 9, 2025
For Ray, You were the best of the best in every possible way...a one in a million family man and an incredible friend...you were always busy helping everyone, always made yourself accessible and were truly a people person who made it an honor to work for you...I will always remember your warmth, your smile, your notes and nicknames ..we shared so many laughs with you. You have broken a lot of hearts in passing but you have also left us with so many memories! YOU WERE THE HEARTBEAT OF HS NORTH. As you said at the end of your eulogy for Marty Walsh in 1997, "Captain, it was a pleasure flying with you!"
Carol Weickert
March 9, 2025
I lived next door to Ray for 11 years. He was a great neighbor and friend. He always offered to help me with anything I needed done and would take it upon himself to water my outside plants, pull the weeds from the driveway and trim my roses. I will miss our conversations, especially at the community pool in the summer. RIP Ray, you will be missed. My sympathies to his family.
Ron Willetts
March 9, 2025
I will always remember our years together at TRNHS. You exuded the energy and love for our school and always cared about the students. Ray, the old guard of Keith McCloud, Tom Azzolini and Jim Leonard are all gone. It was a privilege and pleasure to have worked with you and the wonderful TRN staff on behalf of the many students we taught. Sincere condolences to your family. Rest in peace knowing that your life meant so much to so many. Ron Willetts
Mike Baldi
March 9, 2025
In memory of Raymond J Ryan
In my home, there is a bookshelf made out of walnut - on the back is an inscription with the date of 1970. Mr. Ryan mentored me through that project. He was my woodshop teacher. I still have a pair of pliers from that class that somehow I didn´t return.... Ray, I´ll bring those with me if I´m lucky enough to go where you now are.
In 1971 I was accepted to college on a contingency basis. I would have to attend summer school immediately, foregoing my graduation ceremony. My father didn´t want me to go. Mr. Ryan advised me to go. The school was a good fit. Four years later I graduated with a degree.
Mr. Ryan was my neighbor in Silverton and I clearly remember him peddling by my house on his bike, first with a bleached blonde Gary on the back, then later on with Jeff. This occurred most summer days and it was there that he encouraged me to attend Lock Haven State College.
Ray was my boss and principal from 1978 to 1992, and it was under his leadership that High School North produced many Hall of Fame coaches, educators, athletes - and a Nobel prize winner in Ms. Maria Ressa. As principal, Ray fostered an environment that allowed one to grow and excel. It allowed me to become a successful coach and if it was up to me, North would become Raymond J Ryan High School.
Under Ray´s decades of leadership, North was a premier high school, a thriving environment for students and teachers, parents and educators. Thank you for caring for us all - from the best of the best, to those of us who occasionally fumbled the ball.
May you and Judy together dwell in the house of the Lord forever,
Mike Baldi
Arleen Martino
March 9, 2025
Stacey, Jeff and family, we were neighbors for many years in Silverton. We also knew Ray as the principal of North. Stacey, you have been part of our family since you were in second grade with Sandy. We hope you know we will always be there for you. With deepest sympathy.
Arleen, Nick and Andrew Martino
Anthony Graziano
March 9, 2025
Jeff, Colleen and Stacie- very sorry for your loss. The obituary perfectly captures Ray. When you meet someone as a boy- who helped you become a man, that person lives forever. Was he the greatest Principal of any High School that ever lived? Yup. He showed us how to love, how to live, and how to always put our family first. What a beautiful life- everyday in the service to his family and to those around him he loved with a solid couple of decades of loving and living at the end of an amazing career for good measure. God bless Ray Ryan!
With love and sadness at his passing.
Anthony Graziano
TRN Class of 1988
#MarinersForever
Bob Cassidy
March 8, 2025
Ray was a tremendous individual, educator and leader. Thank you for the tremendous positive experience you bestowed upon your students. RIP my friend, God bless you and condolences to Jeff and your family.
Bless you,
Bob Cassidy
Joe Discenza
March 8, 2025
Ryan Family, I had the honor of knowing Ray as a teacher at TRHSN. & Ray was a great guy, loved his job & very quietly was instrumental in my choosing to be a school administrator. He will be missed but always in my thoughts.
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145 Saint Catherine Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08755
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