Loretta Ryan

Devoted mother and grandmother, loved Ocean Grove

Loretta Ryan, born Loretta Bertoncini in Staten Island, N.Y., on Dec. 10, 1914, passed away in Ocean Grove, N.J., on March 26, 2016.

Loretta is survived by her children, John Ryan of Carmel, Calif.; daughter, Loretta Ryan McMillen and son-in-law, Harlow McMillen, of West Brighton, N.Y.; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces. She was predeceased by her sister, Eleanor O'Neill, and her three brothers, Harold, Ferdinand, and Stephen Bertoncini.

Loretta grew up in Fort Wadsworth. She graduated from Curtis High School in 1933, and under her senior class photo in the yearbook was printed, "Friendly and sincere and loved by all who knew her." Over the next 83 years, she would prove that quote more true with each passing day.

A young working woman during the Depression, Loretta was employed at Paramount Pictures in midtown Manhattan, where she saw Frank Sinatra perform, a memory she loved to recall. She also worked at a weekly newspaper named Newsdom, where she met her future husband.

Her husband John died in 1949. Now a widow with two small children, Loretta went back to school and became certified as a comptometer operator. For the next three decades, Loretta balanced commuting into Manhattan, raising two young children, and caring for her beloved elderly mother, Laura Bertoncini.

Loretta relocated to Ocean Grove, N.J., in 1972. She had discovered the beauties of Ocean Grove in the 1950's, when she would take her children down to the seashore and the young family fell in love with the sea air and salt water and the charm of the town.

Loretta was garrulous, funny and friendly, and throughout her entire life she drew people into her circle easily, a witty and sunny, and yet frank and wise presence. Her family was the source of her strength and longevity. Her grandchildren brought her great joy, and their devotion to her until the day of her death is a testament to the wonderful presence she had in their lives.

Visitation will take place at Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 3. The funeral will take place at 9 a.m. Monday from the Harmon Funeral Home, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, West Brighton. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Grasmere.

Harmon Funeral Home

571 Forest Ave.

Staten Island, NY 10310

(718) 442-5056

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Published in Staten Island Advance from Apr. 2 to Apr. 3, 2016

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