WILMINGTON — Jack Ryan, beloved father and friend, passed away mid-morning on June 7, 2024 after a sudden cardiac event with two of his daughters by his side. He was 88.
Jack was born November 15, 1935 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania to John and Dorothy (Mitchell) Ryan. He was the oldest of four boys. The brothers – Jack, Jim, Joe, and Jeff – were close and were sometimes referred to as “The Four J’s.”
He graduated high school from Friends’ Central School in 1954 and went on to earn a business degree. From there he worked in the mail room at Atlantic Richfield Company (“ARCO” which later became BP) and continued to advance to credit card sales manager until he retired after 31 years. After retirement from ARCO, he continued working as a consultant for some years later.
Jack had quite a sense of humor and was known as a jokester and ladies man since high school. He lived in the Brightmore of Wilmington community the last few years and was loved by many residents and staff.
He loved sports, particularly Notre Dame (football) and UNCW Seahawks (baseball). Rather than lullabies, Jack taught his children the Notre Dame fight song. He was also known by many in the Seahawk Baseball community as a loyal and diehard fan, appreciated for his love of the game. He finished his high school senior year playing Varsity Soccer, Varsity Baseball, and Varsity Basketball. He was an avid runner and golfer in his younger years and enjoyed fishing and camping as well. When no longer able to play competitively, he coached, umpired, and enjoyed watching his children play their various sports.
Jack was very proud of all 6 of his children and often referred to his children from two separate marriages as the “First Litter” and the “Second Litter.” He is survived by his First Litter and their families: Jack, Jr. (Akiko (wife), Marina and Amy), Tom (Theresa (wife), Briana, and Taylor), and Megan (Cory (husband) Jackson), as well as his Second Litter and their families: Christie (Patrick (husband), Ryan Olivia, Hunter, Aida, and Carson), Danny, and Callie.
A memorial service will be held at Brightmore of Wilmington (2324 41st Street, Wilmington, NC) on Friday, June 14 at 2:00 pm.
Because Jack’s family extends from Japan to Pennsylvania, a celebration of life for his family will be held in early August.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UNCW Dugout Club which supports the UNCW Baseball Team that Jack enjoyed so much.
