Gerald Thomas Ryan, 73, of Waldoboro, passed away suddenly at his residence on May 16.
Jerry was born Aug. 23, 1938 in Cohoes, N.Y., the son of Sylvester Thomas and Anna Bridget Hyland Ryan, and was a 1956 graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy, N.Y.
Upon his graduation, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, served four years, then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, rising to the rank of Master Chief, the highest rank an enlisted man can attain. During his career, he served in many areas of the world, and participated in varied details. This included sailing with the Tall Ships Tour in the late 1970s, and tending lighthouses, including the Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde.
Upon his discharge, he joined the Maine State Prison as a guard, working there for 16 years before retiring.
He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle where he was actively involved with parish life, including the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, and served as their recorder. He was also a member of the Charles C. Lilly American Legion Post in Waldoboro, serving as Commander from 1999 to 2003, and currently as Vice Commander, member of the Rockland Elks, Patriot Guard Riders, Maine 7th Chapter of the Blue Knights, and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. Jerry loved cheering for the New York Yankees and was very proud of his Irish heritage.
Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Judy Stone Ryan of Waldoboro; daughters, Patricia Ryan of Searsmont, and Mary Labady of Portland; step-daughter, Stephanie Mitchell of Cushing; step-son, Edward Rogers of Tenants Harbor; step-children include Greg Morris of Thomaston, Melissa Weaver of Rockland, Lori Ames of Matinicus, Franz Morris and William Morris, both of Tenants Harbor, Vanessa Croxford of Pittston, and Marci Morris of Epping, N.H.; granddaughter, Alyson Johnson of Searsmont; sister, Sheila Ryan of Schenectady, N.Y.; brother, Donald Ryan and wife Carole of Troy, N.Y.; and, being part of a large blended family, there are many surviving step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to visit with the family 4-7 p.m., Sun., May 20 at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. Funeral mass 10 a.m., Mon., May 21 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Academy Hill Rd., Newcastle, with Fr. Fredrick Morse officiating.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Blue Knights of Maine, 38 Alden St., Bangor, ME 04401 or to the Charles C. Lily American Legion Post 0149, PO Box 366, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
