Maurice Stephen Ryan

Maurice Stephen Ryan, devoted husband, father and golfer extraordinaire, passed away peacefully in California, May 30, 2014. He was born in Peabody, MA, the day the Titanic sank in April 1912, only son to the late Maurice J. and Mary Willett Ryan. He was brother to three beloved sisters, the late Helen Swencki (Chester), Frances Maloney (John), and Dorothy Bianco (F. Richard). Mr. Ryan was a graduate of Peabody High School, and the Massachusetts Agricultural College Turf School (now the University of Massachusetts) in 1932. He married the love of his life, Geraldine Parker, on a three-day Army pass, and not long after, honorably served in WW2 on the European front, with both the 7th Armored and Company B 48th Tank Battalions. He returned home to his wife and baby, to continue his golf management career at Merrimac Valley Golf Club in Methuen, MA, where he served as Superintendent of Greens, and transformed the club into one of the premier clubs in Massachusetts. He then agreed to take on the 27-hole course at Race Brook Country Club in Orange, CT, and after nearly 50 years in the business, became one of the most respected turf managers in New England. After retiring in 1979, he returned to work at a local country club in Florida, and finally retired at 88. He is survived by his three "girls," Patricia Brown (Oren) of Foothill Ranch, CA, Janet Ryan of North Kingstown, RI, and Judith Ryan Burrell (Nelson) of Steamboat Springs, CO; four grandchildren, Jamie Libertoff, Tad Brown, Kent Brown, and Anna Konkle, as well as two great-grandchildren, Fiorella Gamio and Rodrigo Samiento. He also leaves nephew Robert Maloney (Shirley), 7 additional nieces and nephews, 5 grandnieces and nephews, and 8 great-grandnieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 750 The City Drive S, Orange, CA 92868. Funeral Services were held on June 3, 2014 at O'Connor Mortuary, Laguna Hills, CA. Maurice will be laid to rest with his beloved wife of 57 years, Geraldine, with a small ceremony at Palm Beach Memorial Park, 3691 Seacrest Boulevard, Lantana, FL on June 17th at 10 AM. Expressions of sympathy to the family can be sent to O'Connor Mortuary or Palm Beach Memorial Park. Additional info at oconnormortuary.com or palmbeachmemorial.com. O'Connor Mortuary (949) 581-4300