George "Lanny" Ryan Jr.

Born June 23, 1939 to George Lawrence Ryan Sr. and Gertrude (O'Brien) Ryan, "Lanny" Ryan grew up in Belle Harbor, NY with his four siblings, Patricia, Thomas, Ann and Denis.

A bright young man who was the product of outstanding Jesuit educators, Lanny attended St. Francis de Sales Academy and Brooklyn Prep High School. He graduated from Holy Cross University in 1961 where he swam competitively for four years. He earned his law degree from New York University in 1964.

Lanny met Susan (Walsh) Ryan dancing at Kennedy's in Breezy Point, NY in September, 1957. A Rockaway boy, he married a blonde-haired Breezy girl on July 25, 1964. They raised their three kids, Kevin, Denis and Jennifer in Stuyvesant Town in Manhattan and then Chappaqua in Westchester County, NY. The family spent summers in their bungalow on Jamaica Walk in Breezy Point and later on Chester Walk, a stone's throw from the famous Irish Riviera watering hole, The Sugar Bowl. Lanny and Susan retired to Orchid Island in Vero Beach, FL. They moved to Annapolis, MD this past September to be closer to family.

Lanny worked as an attorney specializing in tax, estate planning and corporate advising for the same law firm for over fifty years, its many iterations including O'Connor, Murphy, Ryan & Seitz and Ryan & Raphael. He served on the Board of Trustees for diversified companies across industries such as health care, advertising, public relations, printing and paper sales. He was the attorney for NFL Films from 1976-1980 and the U.S. Ski Team from 1980-1985. Of his work, partner Greg Raphael said, "No one would make a move without talking first to Lanny Ryan." He was beloved by clients, family and friends as a trusted advisor, a true “counselor” who would drop anything to impart some of his wisdom. "Lanny did right by everybody," said his dear friend, Bob Turner.

He served as the director of the Breezy Point Cooperative from 2000-2003 and helped establish their successful youth basketball league, which continues to this day. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of the Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club.

An avid sports fan, Lanny coached his children's youth sports teams from softball to baseball and basketball. He loved to have a catch after work or play a spirited game of running bases with a pinky ball barefoot on the beach. He was a loyal Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Mets fan. He golfed with friends, spinning stories, jokes, and providing useless tips like, “Swing easier, you’ll appreciate the extra distance!"

Lanny adored his family. He cherished time with his extended family in Belle Harbor, sharing holidays, backyard barbecues, and endless tales about his numerous nieces, nephews, and siblings. He took countless beach walks with his wife and grandkids, admiring the shore birds and collecting seaglass. A swim-trunked sentinel, Lanny spent a lifetime in the ocean looking after the little ones and body surfing the waves. A lifeguard who made his debut at the Rockaway Point Surf Club, "Poppy" taught all of his grandchildren to swim.

Lanny and Susan loved adventures and traveled extensively to destinations such as China, Kenya, Australia, India, Middle East, Costa Rica and Europe. He was, to his wife's chagrin, the most attentive participant on any historical walking tour. He enjoyed reading legal thrillers and the New York Times.

George L. Ryan Jr. is survived by his wife, Susan J. Ryan, and three children: Kevin Ryan, Denis Ryan and Jennifer Ryan Onken and their spouses: Julie Goldman Ryan, Valerie Greco Ryan, and Christopher Onken; he adored his eight grandchildren: Shay, Finn, and Ty Ryan; Nicholas and Katherine Ryan; Gus, Nathaniel, and Caroline Onken.

He is also survived by his siblings Patricia Koester, Ann Bender, and Rev. Fr. Denis J. Ryan and was predeceased by his parents, George and Gertrude, and his older brother, Thomas.

A man of faith, Lanny never missed a day of church, even on family vacations. A Mass will be held in his honor at St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor, N.Y. on Friday, June 9th at 11 am. Reception will follow at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club. All are welcome to celebrate the life of George Lawrence Ryan Jr, one of the Ryan clan's "best of the best."

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Rockaway Point Fire Department in honor of their colossal efforts during and after Hurricane Sandy. Lanny also loved the mission of his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross, and supported their financial aid efforts. Our family would also like to thank Hospice of the Chesapeake for the outstanding care they gave our father and our family during the final stages of his life.

All who knew our dad admired his authentic generosity, warmth, and care. He always made the effort to reach out. May we all lead lives of genuine kindness.

"May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for our father, mother, and the whole Ryan family.