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James F. Ryan entered into rest eternal on Aug. 31 after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Rosalie Goode Ryan for more than 57 years. Jim was born in New Haven on Jan. 26, 1935, to James and Genevieve Ryan.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by daughters Bev Ryan Olt (George), Sheila Ryan Wong (Allan), and Patricia Ryan Bloomquist (John); his sister Julia Ogren; and sisters-in-law Virginia McLaughlin Ryan and Sheila Morris Ryan. Over the past 34 years, Jim experienced profound pride and joy in being a grandfather to eight grandchildren, the Olts, Christopher (Megan), Bradley (Christine), Michael, and Tyler; and the Bloomquists, Ryan, Tessa, Ellie, and Hanna; as well as a great-grandfather to Shawn and Corey Olt. Jim is also survived by cherished nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by brothers Robert, Russell, and William, and brother-in-law Karl Ogren.

A proud graduate of Notre Dame High School, Jim served in the U.S. Navy before matriculating to Providence College. Jim enjoyed a successful, 32-year-long career in marketing for IBM before retiring in 1993. Jim truly loved Branford, and endeavored to lend support to various community organizations over the years. He sat on the town’s Board of Police Commissioners, and previously served as Police Commissioner. Jim was inducted as a Knight of Honor by Notre Dame, and was also honored to have been entered into Branford Sports Hall of Fame. Jim was a member and past president of the Branford Lions Club.

Jim’s life will be celebrated at a Memorial Mass of Christian burial at Saint Mary Church on Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be forwarded to the James F. Ryan Fund at the Branford Community Foundation, P.O. Box 462, Branford, CT 06405. For directions and an online memorial, visit www.wsclancy.com.