Michael B. Ryan

Michael B. Ryan of Harrington Park, formerly of Tenafly and Teaneck, passed away surrounded by family on January 15th after a long fight against cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife Mary Ann (nee Melone), his beloved daughter Michelle and cherished granddaughter Julia. He is also survived by his loving siblings and in-laws: Sheila of Oakton, VA; John and Rosemary of McLean, VA; James of Oakton, VA; Timothy and Mari Lynne of Vienna, VA; Susan Melone of Madison, NJ; and Carl and Ann Melone of Ridgewood, NJ. He was predeceased by his parents John and Veronica, brother Paul and brother-in-law James Melone. Mike and Mary Ann had a traditional Irish/Italian union that brought together a large extended family of Ryan, Valenza, Conlon, Gleason, Burns, Leisure, Melone, Catterall, Graham and Mulligan’s who will all miss him dearly.

Mike enjoyed listening to country and bluegrass music, and loved reading about history, but his greatest joy came from sharing good times with family and friends. Through his affiliations with numerous organizations, Mike made enduring friendships with people all over the world. He was especially proud of his granddaughter Julia and enjoyed attending all her activities and watching her grow.

Mike was born in Atlanta, GA on June 17, 1940 and grew up in Syracuse, Jackson Heights, and Teaneck before the family settled in Tenafly. He attended St. Anastasia’s Grammar School and All Hollows High School where he was a star athlete and student. While attending Georgetown University he became a disc jockey for their college radio station sparking a lifelong affection for country and bluegrass music, continuing to call in every Saturday morning to local country radio programs to express his love for their playlists. It was also at Georgetown where he developed a lifetime friendship with Professor Lev Dobriansky and became an avid supporter of freedom for those oppressed by totalitarian rule, especially the people of Eastern Europe. After graduating from Fordham Law, he worked for the City of New York, State of New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and in private practice for over 50 years.

Mike’s vast knowledge of history, economics and government led him to a decades-long involvement in Bergen County politics. Mike took great pleasure in assisting campaigns and mentoring young elected officials. He was the long-term, Immediate Past Chairman of the Legislative District 39 Republican Committee, a former Parliamentarian of the Bergen County Republican Organization and a former Young Republican Chair.

In addition, Mike was a former President of the National Captive Nations Committee, former Vice President of the Victims of Communism Memorial, a Trustee of the Boat Jumpers, a proud member of the Mangione Society, a prominent men’s organization who meets every Saturday for lunch, a former member of the Knickerbocker Country Club, and a former Election Monitor for the Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe, going on missions to Albania and Macedonia on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. He also enjoyed attending the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s Annual Dinner with friends in New York City for many years.

Michael B. Ryan was a man of great faith, a loyal friend and a true gentleman. He was much loved and respected by all that knew him and will be truly missed.

The family will receive friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd, Westwood on Friday, January 24th from 4pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Victories R.C. Church, Harrington Park on Saturday, January 25th at 9am followed by interment at Brookside Cemetery, Englewood. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Mike’s memory to the Blumenthal Cancer Center www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center giving.mskcc.org or the charity of your choice is appreciated.