Joseph Benedict Ryan

Joe was born on March 23rd, 1931 in Dundrum, County Tipperary, Ireland, where he was the sixth of twelve children. He immigrated to London, England in 1953 ,where he was part of the large Irish contingent that participated in the rebuilding of that city after the destruction of WWIl. In 1957, Joe immigrated to New York, where he met his wife Rose, originally of County Cavan, Ireland. They were married on February 11, 1961 in Manhattan.

Joe was a well regarded hurler, playing center field for the Knockavilla Kickhams, his local Tipperary club. He later went on to represent Tipperary, winning a 1949 Minor All Ireland championship, as well as a 1953 Junior All Ireland championship. He continued with his love of hurling, playing for teams in both London and Gaelic Park in New York. Joe avidly followed the sport of hurling for the remainder of his life, often regaling his children, and anyone who would listen about his beloved sport, and his County Tipperary.

Joe was a proud Irish tenor. He led the choir at St. Joseph’s Parish in Croton Falls, New York and later went on to sing in the choir at Sacred Heart Church in Greenwich, Connecticut for many years. He was a sought after soloist who sang at many weddings, including those of his children, funerals, and other special events, most notably singing the Irish and American national anthems at the Greenwich St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He most recently serenaded his wife, Rose, at his 90th birthday party surrounded by his loving family. He could sing beautifully in both Latin and Italian. He was a great admirer of Luciano Pavarotti, and was a lifelong fan of opera. He often sang a version of Danny Boy that would bring a tear to any eye.

Joe worked for many years in the bar and restaurant industry. He later spent several years as a professional landscaper and served as the sexton for Sacred Heart Church in Greenwich, where he was well loved and respected. Joe and Rose raised their kids in Somers, NY and Greenwich, CT. After retiring, Joe and Rose moved to Charlotte,NC, where he spent many a day pursuing his lifelong love of gardening and spending time with his ten beloved grandchildren.

He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a devout Catholic.

Joe was devoted to his wife, Rose, who was the love of his life. They were married for 60 years.

Joe is survived by his wife Rose Ryan (née McGovern), Daughter Mary Ryan of Stamford, Ct. Son Joseph Ryan of Trumbull Ct., his wife Geraldine and 5 children, Joseph, Matthew, Jack, Kelsey and Shane. Son Michael Ryan of Stamford, Ct. Daughter Margaret Moran of Charlotte, NC and her 4 children, Rose, Rachel, Sean and Andrew. Son Kevin Ryan of Charlotte, NC, his wife Lisa and daughter Mary Kate. Daughter Regina Ross of Charlotte, NC her husband Dan and stepdaughter Callie along with dozens of nieces and nephews in Ireland, England, Canada, and the US, too numerous to mention.

He is also survived by sisters Ann, Eileen, Breda, and Sheila and brother Peter, and predeceased by sisters Johanna, Maureen and Peggy and brothers Paddy, Mick and Martin

Joe was a man who was beloved by all who knew him.

He will be sorely missed.