Obituary of John F. Ryan

John Farrell Ryan (Jack to family and friends) passed away peacefully in his sleep in the same house he came home to as a baby just shy of 85 years ago. He was an institution on his block in Woodside. His neighbors of many years, all dear friends, were there when they heard the sad news. Jack was born to John and Anna Marie (Nan) Ryan and raised, along with his younger brother Gene, in Woodside. He graduated from St. Teresa School in 1954 and from Don Bosco High School in 1958. While attending Fordham University at night, after working as a surveyor for the iron workers union by day, he decided to join the NYPD. He loved it so much, he retired 36 years later as a Lieutenant. Jack started in the NYPD as a member of the Tactical Patrol Force, he was a beat cop in the 109 Pct, a Sergeant and Lieutenant in Highway 3, and among other assignments, worked in One Police Plaza and Patrol Borough Queens North. His stories were legendary and will live on around the table at family gatherings. Jack married Maureen (nee Carrol) in 1964 after meeting her on a bus in Woodside. They had a wonderful, story book-like marriage of just shy of 60 years. They had one son, Devin, who also grew up in Woodside and also attended St. Teresa School. Sadly, Maureen received her eternal reward in October 2023. Jack missed his soul mate and best friend. He never stopped talking about her. In June 2022, Jack got a new best buddy, Lucy Ryan, his granddaughter. To say he loved Lucy would be an understatement. He would send pictures to Maureen's and his friends captioned "The I Love Lucy Show" almost every day. Devin and his wife Anita could not send Jack enough photographs and stories of Lucy's day. She was the highlight of his last few years and the apple of his eye. As his friends know well, Jack was a consummate story and joke teller. "Have you ever heard the one about . . . " would often immediately follow "Hello" after you met him. We are sure he is telling stories and jokes in Heaven surrounded by his family and friends. Maureen is likely telling him not to tell some of his more R rated ones. You made this world a better and more enjoyable place as a son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and last but not least our dear friend. Please know, Jack, that we'll keep telling your story (and some of your jokes) until we meet again and can share some new ones. We miss you. Sláinte! Visitation will be Wednesday, May 14 from 4-8PM at Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, Inc, 43-07 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside, NY. Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at St. Teresa RCC, 44th Street And 50th Avenue, Woodside, NY.