Eugene Lawrence Ryan

1934 - 2021
Eugene Lawrence Ryan- Passed away at his home in Breezy Point, NY on April 16, 2021 at age 87. Ever discreet, he battled cancer for over a decade and no matter the struggle at hand when asked how he was doing his customary response was "Never Better". Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 21, 1934 he was the youngest child of Mildred (nee Carey) & Michael F. Ryan.

The Ryan's have been members of the Good Shepherd Parish in Marine Park, Brooklyn for over 80 years with Gene having graduated from the Grammar School in 1948. A 1952 Graduate of Saint Francis Prep High School and a 1956 Graduate of Saint Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, Gene then served in the US Army from 1957-1959. After serving his country he went on to a 50-year career in the Banking Industry and earned a Master's Degree from The Brown University School of Banking in 1974.

Gene had a sly sense of humor and a love for life that was unmatched. No one loved life more than Gene Ryan and no fought harder to live then he did. He also had a passion for sports, any sport, but Baseball and Basketball were particular favorites. A die-hard Brooklyn Dodger fan he later, switched his allegiance to the New York Mets and even learned how to use "this internet thing" when he was in his seventies so he could update the Breezy Point Softball Website as soon as the games finished. Gene was a 57-year member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials where he was the former President and Current Rules Interpreter of the Brooklyn Board. His knowledge of the rules of Basketball was unmatched and his passion for developing young officials was unrivaled.

Nothing however was more important to Gene than his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Maryanne (nee Smith), revered Brother Frank Ryan, adored children, sons James (Clare nee Fulham), Robert (Heleana nee O'Driscoll), Gene and his daughter Patricia, as well as his grandchildren: James (Rhonda), Elizabeth, JD (Ashley), Billy (Kelly), Joe, Emily, Mary-Therese, Kaitlyn, Heleana-Anne and Eileen; Sister In-Laws Margaret May (Jack) and Patricia Smith and the newest addition Great Granddaughter Liliana. He was preceded in death by his brother George and Sister In-law Audrey (nee Clayton) and Sisters and Brother In-Laws Mildred and Angelo Giglio and Claire and Joseph Palmeri.

The family humbly request in lieu of flowers a donation be made in Gene's name to Sharry's House For Children With Cancer at whyme.org or The Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation at t2t.org

The Ryan's would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the staff at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center whose dedication to Gene's care gave him more years than we could have hoped. A heartfelt thanks is also extended to the staff at Caring Hospice whose compassion and care made this most difficult of times endurable.

Gene will be missed by those who loved him every day.