Obituary of John J. Ryan

John J. Ryan Pompano Beach, FL John J. Ryan, of Cuba Lake, and also a resident of Pompano Beach for the past 20 years, passed away Saturday (February 22, 2020) at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale. Born April 18, 1930 in Wellsville he was the son of Joseph and Helen Martin Ryan. John grew up in Allentown and graduated from Bolivar High School in 1948. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the US Navy where he served several years during the Korean War. He was a local businessman that included being an independent oil producer. He lived in Buffalo and at Cuba Lake for many years where he loved raising his family and enjoyed activities on the water. While he never fully "retired", he did move to Florida to enjoy the weather and to continue activities such as boating and sailing and golfing. In his earlier years he enjoyed snow skiing. John was a former member of Our Lady of Angels Church in Cuba, the American Legion and Elks Lodge, both of Wellsville, and the former City Club of Olean. He was also a member of the NYS Oil and Gas Producers Association. He was formerly married to Charlene Matson-Ryan (predeceased) with whom he had 5 children; Kathleen Ryan of Allegany, Maureen (Don) Cordier of Sugar Land, TX, Patrick (Nancy) Ryan of Allegany, Colleen Ryan Sandburg of Allegany and Thomas Ryan (deceased); 9 grandchildren Jackie (Mark) Easterday and their children Miles, Parker and Owen; Christine (Michael) Burton and their child McKenna; Michelle (Zachary) Ricketts; Timothy (Abigail) Ryan and their children Maximilian, Samuel McConnell and Madeline McConnell; Sean (Melissa) Ryan and their children Charlotte and Jack; Jennie (Michael) Rosenswie, Amanda (Tony) Papasergi, Rachael Sandburg and Caitlin Sandburg; 2 brothers Richard (Shirley) Ryan of Ft. Myers, FL and Terrance "Terry" Ryan of New York City; many nieces and nephews, and many close friends in Florida and Cuba Lake, especially Chan Whitford. He is also survived by his loving companion of many years Constance "Connie" Chicola. He was predeceased by 1 brother Paul Ryan and 1 sister Joan Giafaglione. The family will be present to receive friends on Sunday from 5-7pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. A prayer service will be held Monday (March 2, 2020) at 9:00am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am in St. Bonaventure Church. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in Our Lady of the Angels Cemetery in Cuba. Full military honors will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.