Raymond Joseph Ryan

He was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 19, 1932 to the late Irene and Tom Ryan. He later moved to NJ, raised his family in Netcong, and eventually settled in Sparta. He attended St. John’s University on an athletic scholarship and graduated with both a bachelor and a law degree. After serving his country in the Army, Ray practiced law for many years and in many roles before retiring 23 years ago.

Ray was a devout Catholic and attended Mass daily, where he made many friends, as he did everywhere he went throughout his life. He was as funny as he was kind. He had a brilliant mind and was sought out by many for advice and encouragement. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is pre-deceased by his loving wife of 47 years, Peggy (McNerney) Ryan.

He is survived by his children: Matthew Ryan of Staten Island, NY; Michael Ryan of Sparta, NJ, Cecelia Puglio and her husband Victor of Sparta, NJ; and Eileen McFarland and her husband, Jeffrey of Byram, NJ. He was known as Papa Ray to his grandchildren Nick Ryan, Christina Ryan, Julia Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Michelle Puglio and Tim Puglio as well as his many grandnieces and grandnephews.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, June 19, 2015 at 12:00 noon at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 294 Sparta Ave., Sparta, NJ 07871

www.goblefuneral.com