“Patricia M. Ryan was many things: a devoted wife, a loving mother, a fiercely proud grandmother and great-grandmother, a loyal friend — and, without question, the heart and soul of our family,” her children said. Mrs. Ryan, who was 90, died on Jan. 7 at home in East Hampton, “surrounded by love and by the people who mattered most to her.”
Mrs. Ryan “dedicated her life to helping others,” her family said. She worked as a legal secretary for the Long Island Rail Road, served as a coordinator of religious education at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and was a bookkeeper for the Amagansett Beach Association and the Hampton Lifeguard Association.
“Her greatest service, though, came through her 34 years as an E.M.T. and driver for the East Hampton Ambulance Association, where she answered more than 5,200 calls with calm strength, compassion, and complete selflessness.”
She was born on Oct. 10, 1935, in Flatbush, Brooklyn, to Margie and Johnny Maloney, and was raised with her four siblings in Long Beach and Atlantic Beach. There, her family said, “she learned early on the values that would guide her life — faith, family, and showing up for others.”
In 1953 she graduated from Long Beach High School, and in 1960 she married “the love of her life,” John J. Ryan, who survives. Together they raised nine children. She was “endlessly proud” of her children, and nothing “brought her more joy than her grandchildren — each one deeply loved and celebrated.” She was Nanny to 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The Ryans moved to East Hampton 59 years ago and made an indelible mark on the community, building “lifelong friendships and countless memories,” her family said. “The doors to her home were always open — always. There was an extra seat at the table, an extra bed if you needed one, and always a sense that you belonged the moment you walked in.” Mrs. Ryan “had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, heard, and cared for — whether through action, conversation, or simply her steady presence.”
She served as a eucharistic minister at Most Holy Trinity for 30 years. She was also active in the Ladies Village Improvement Society, the Red Hats, and the local food pantry.
“And if she were reading this now, she’d smile, make sure everyone was accounted for, and reassure us that she’s still here watching over all of us, as she always did.”
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Ryan is survived by her children and their spouses: Patti and Fred Thompson, Kathy and Tom Piacentine, Jeannine Ryan, Johnny and Marigrace Ryan, Eddie Ryan, Marie and Jeff Hand, Elizabeth O’Dwyer, Meg Ryan Metz and her husband, Eric, and Susan Ryan and Matt Rutigliano.
Also surviving are her grandchildren: Kenny and Melanie Thompson; Tommy, Christopher, and Nina Piacentine; Devon and Anthony McGorisk; Haley Cinque; Shannon and Marikate Ryan; Olivia and Ethan Ryan; Alyssa and Ryan Bahel; Emma Hand; Caitlin, Rian, Sarah, Shane, and Jane O’Dwyer; Lylah, Tyler, and Sierra Metz, and Sammy Ryan-Rutigliano. Her great-grandchildren are Ellie and Breena Kohler, Lydia Ryan, Nova Cinque, Charlotte O’Dwyer, and Parker John Bowe.
Also surviving is a brother, the Rev. Robert P. Maloney, C.M., who officiated at her funeral. Three siblings, Marie Maloney, Joan Buckley, and John Maloney Jr., died before her.
A wake was held on Monday at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton, and a funeral Mass followed on Tuesday at Most Holy Trinity.
Her family has suggested donations to the Hampton Lifeguard Association at bit.ly/49zEz1u.
