Terrance J. Ryan

Terrance James Ryan, 64, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, November 3, 2018. 

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 7 at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield, N.J., from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 8, at St. Genevieve's R.C. Church in Elizabeth at 10 a.m. Family and friends are all to meet at church on Thursday morning. Burial to follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, N.J. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.higginsandbonner.com 

Terrance was born on March 12, 1954, to the late Ruth and James Ryan. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School where he was a star basketball player. He said if it wasn’t for his 5’7’’ stature he would have been the next Larry Bird. 

Terry was a proud Pepsi-Cola employee. He was the embodiment of loyalty starting as a truck driver and retiring as an executive 37 years later. He moved around over a dozen times and has built a large Pepsi community. The legend of Terry Ryan can be heard in Pepsi offices across the nation. 

Terry loved surrounding himself with people that made him laugh and could handle his infamous sarcasm. He cherished his time with his friends and family dining at restaurants like Rao’s or Elio’s with a stopover at The Carlyle. Terry’s wit, generosity, and charisma will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all the lives he touched in his 64 years. 

Terry was always his children’s biggest cheerleader. He would never miss a performance or sports event or an opportunity to celebrate his children and family. His commitment to family was instilled upon him by his influential parents. 

Terry is survived by his children Danny and Brigitte Ryan, Rachael Ryan, Meghan Ryan, and his grandchild Grace Ryan. He is also survived by his beloved siblings Colleen and Chris Casini, Kevin and Eve Ryan, Laura and John Miller, his former wife Barbara Ryan, and his 11 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother Jackie Ryan. 

Donations appreciated to the National Down Syndrome Association in Terry’s loving memory. To donate please go to www.ndss.org

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Terrance J. Ryan, please visit our floral store.