Frank N. Ryan, Jr., age 96, of Beverly, MA, died on October 28, 2026, surrounded by family. He was the husband of the late Fay F. (Wright) Ryan.
Born in Lynn, the son of Frank N. Ryan and Margaret E. (Crowley) Ryan, he graduated from Lynn public schools, and earned a BA from Boston University, and an MBA from Northeastern University.
He was employed in personnel management and technical recruiting. He served as Chairman of the Marblehead Personnel Board for eight years, Chairman of the Boston Bank Salary Survey, and was an active member of the North Shore Personnel Association. He volunteered as Secretary-Treasurer of the Friends of Salem Council on Aging, and at the Northeast Animal Shelter.
He was an avid sports fan, from attending his childrens’ sporting events to faithfully following New England pro teams; his family understood that any gatherings revolved around the Patriots’ schedule.
He was a lifelong pianist, and in his golden years, he added the conga drum to his musical repertoire and joined drumming circles around the North Shore. He also enjoyed dancing and socializing at the Wonderland Ballroom for many years. Recently, he looked forward to participating in social activities with the gang at Colonial Gardens, most notably playing Trivial Pursuit, poker, and occasionally entertaining his friends on the community piano.
He enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who will fondly remember him as “Big Papa” and “Big Frank”.
He leaves a daughter, Jane Ryan of North Reading, MA; and a son, Gregory Ryan and his wife Jodi, of Shrewsbury, MA. He was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Ryan of Pleasant Hill, CA, and he leaves a daughter-in-law Reny.
A private service was held at Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead, MA.
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