John B. (Sean) Ryan

John B. (Sean) Ryan, a longtime resident of White Plains, NY, passed away very peacefully at his home on April 25th, 2025, in the loving care of his wife, Mary.

John was born in Co. Cork, Ireland, on August 22nd, 1938. He was the youngest son of James Ryan and Elizabeth Burke.

He came to the United States in 1957, and joined IBM in 1960 where he worked 'til his retirement in 2003.

After one year with IBM, John was called to join the U.S. Army in December of 1961. He was hoping to get sent overseas, but instead he was stationed Fort Hood, TX for the duration of his two years. He got lucky and was chosen to be the Army Chaplain's assistant. He drove the Chaplain around to various locations where the services of the Chaplain were needed. There were times when they had to travel by helicopter, but no, John wasn't the pilot! He had it very easy and didn't have to do any fighting!

However, in '62, at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, John and his division of about 20,000 soldiers had to help "load up" all kinds of "equipment" and ship out to Florida. That was a very dangerous and stressful experience, but thank you God, the situation was "resolved" before John and his division ackfully reached Florida.They were able to just turn around and return to Fort Hood, TX.

John was honorably discharged from his Army service in December 1963, and again, he was lucky. His job at IBM was waiting for him! That probably wouldn't happen in these times! IBM even sent him gifts for Christmas while he was in the service!

Born into an "Acting Family," John was a member of various Drama Groups over the years. Mainly the Thomas Davis Irish Players of NY City, The IBM Drama Club, and the Irish Arts Forum of Rockland County. In these circles he was always known as Sean. He really enjoyed acting on stage, directing a play, or just helping out.

John volunteered with various organizations over the years, like Hospice Care, Blythdale Children's Hospital, and Camp Sunshine to name a few. He also taught CCD.

John was predeceased by his parents, James Ryan and Elizabeth Burke, his brothers, Fr. James Ryan, Michael, Francie, and Joe. Also his sister Annette Barrett.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, many nieces and nephews, and a large circle of friends from his various walks of life.

Reposing at Ballard-Durand (Hawthorne Funeral Home), at 21 W Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY, on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, from 4-8PM.

A Funeral Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, at 2 Broadway, Valhalla, NY, on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, a 10AM. There will be a livestream of the Funeral Mass that can be viewed on the Holy Name of Jesus website: https://holynameofjesuschurch.org/ 

or on the Holy Name of Jesus Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HolyNameofJesusChurchValhalla?ref=embed_page 

Burial afterwards at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, at 10 W Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne NY.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation would be much appreciated by the Disabled American Veterans.

Donations can be mailed to:

P.O. Box 14301

Cincinnati, OH 45250

It was John's favorite charity.