WILLIAM EDWARD RYAN – Obituary
William Edward Ryan of Clayton on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Age 72. Husband of 28 years to Anne Ryan (nee Hunsicker). Father of Danielle Ryan, Thomas Ryan, Kathryn Ryan, Becky Jo Ryan (late John Jarrell), Stacey Ryan, and Michael Ryan. Grandfather of Sara Weinert and Landon Ryan. Brother of Patricia Fanz (George), Mary Manzi (late James), late James B. Ryan, Jr., Joseph Ryan (Denise), Bernice Rimkis (late Joseph), Francis Ryan (Kathy), Joanne Ryan, and the late Dorothy Moyer. Son of the late James B. & Mattie Lee (nee Perry) Ryan. Uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Also survived by his dog and best friend, “Maizie”.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Clayton, William, known to many from his younger years as “Willie” and to those who knew him in recent decades as “Bill”, was a resident of Elk Township for 20 years before returning to Clayton where he has lived for the past 28 years. He was a 1969 graduate of Clayton High School and worked as a Production Scheduler for EKCO Products in Clayton (later Aleris Rolled Products, Inc.) for 51 years until his retirement in 2022. During his time with EKCO, William worked a second job at the Bancroft Lakeside Campus in Mullica Hill as a Recreation Planner, Special Olympics Activities Organizer, and later as Night Duty Supervisor until his retirement in 2011 after 20 years. Recently, he worked at the Heritage’s Dairy Store in Williamstown for about a year.
During his years living in Elk Township, William was very active with the township youth sports program, coaching for many years, and was instrumental in raising money to get the sports fields constructed. Later, while living in Clayton, he continued coaching youth sports, including many of his children. William was a huge fan of Philly sports, especially the Phillies and Eagles. He loved playing golf with his coworkers, particularly the charity events. William loved going to the beach. The family often vacationed in Ocean City, MD and also frequented Wildwood when the children were young. He was very meticulous about his lawn. If a leaf fell, he was quickly outside to clear it away. He also liked to be outside caring for his pool and garden. William’s favorite hobby was driving “Miss Maizie” who went with him in the car wherever he went.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312 with a Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 PM. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of William to the Special Olympics at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/SPECIAL/AnneRyan or text SPECIAL876 to 71777. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.