John “Jack” Ryan, 89, of Pittston passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 15th at his home. Born in Avoca, June 10th, 1927, he was the son of the late James and Nellie Brogan Ryan.
Jack was a member of St. John The Evangelist Church, Pittston. He attended St. Mary’s School, Avoca and was a graduate of Avoca High School. Upon graduating, he joined the US Navy and served in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war, Jack relocated to New Jersey and he was employed by the Walter Kidde Machine Shop, NJ. Jack retired from the Nicholson Steam Trap, Wilkes-Barre, where he worked for many years as a foreman.
Jack was a member of the Avoca American Legion, Post 607 and the VFW, Post 8335, Avoca. He served as a 4th degree Knight for the Pittston Knights of Columbus, Council 372, Pittston. He was also a member of the Avoca Ancient Order of Hibernians, Avoca, a member of St. John the Evangelist Holy Name Society, Pittston and the West Side Social Club, Avoca. Jack was an avid sports fan and a devoted fan of Notre Dame Football. Jack was a very kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Leo, James, and Thomas Ryan and his sisters, Jean Liberato, Rita Roughsedge, and Ann Berlew.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, the former Jane Donahue Ryan; his daughters, Mary Ellen and her husband, Bill Nealon of Pittston, Patti and her husband, David Klimasiewfski of Mechanicsburg, Pa, and Colleen and her husband, Steve Jecen of Coatesville, PA. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Ryan Klimasiewfski and Matthew and Luke Jecen; his sister, Marie Barnett of Duryea; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 19th at 10:30am from Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with a mass of Christian burial at 11:00am at St. John The Evangelist Church, William St., Pittston with Msgn. John J. Bendik officiating. Friends may call on Friday evening, November 18th from 5-8pm. Interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pittston City Care and Concern Health Clinic, 37 William St., Pittston, PA 18640.