Salem……


Edward J. Ryan, Jr. age 90, a life-long Salem resident and long time United States Post Office Letter Carrier in Salem died at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, Sunday evening August 14, 2011, following a long illness. He and his wife Rosemary L. (Hogan) Ryan would have celebrated 61 years of marriage in September.


Born at home in Salem he was the son of the late Edward J. and Kathryn (Hughes) Ryan and was educated in Salem schools. Following his graduation from Salem High School Class of 1939, Mr. Ryan began working at the former A.C. Lawrence Leather Company. After the outbreak of World War II he was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in Greenland.


Following his discharge, Mr. Ryan returned to the A.C. Lawrence Leather Company until becoming a letter carrier. His routes in Salem included residences in Salem Willows and businesses in downtown Salem. His career spanned 42 years until retiring. Mr. Ryan enjoyed his "customers" and the people he met along the way feeling that he had the "best job in Salem."


He had also worked for many years with the William J. Creed & Sons Catering Company in Beverly on a part time basis.


Most of all he loved his family and church. For several years he and his wife were Eucharistic Ministers for St. James Church.


In addition to his wife, Mr. Ryan is survived by four children, Christine L. and her husband Edward J. Flynn, Jr. of Peabody, Elaine M. Lovett and her husband Daniel V. of Canton, MA, Edward J. Ryan III of Colorado Springs, CO and Francis M. Ryan and his wife J. Whitney of Washington Depot, CT. He had five grandchildren, Kathryn M. Flynn, twins Emily L. and Sarah R. Lovett, Charles E. Ryan and Margaret W. Ryan and many nieces and nephews.


He was predeceased by two brothers Francis and Martin Ryan and a sister Katherine Hull.


His funeral will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 10:15 AM from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street (corner of North St) Salem, to be followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 in St Thomas the Apostle Church, 260 North St, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00PM in the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Kaplan Family Hospice House, c/o Hospice of Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St Suite B 102., Danvers, MA 01923 or the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.