Matthew J. Ryan III

Former longtime Riverhead resident Matthew J. Ryan III of Bethany Beach, Del., passed away March 13, 2014. He was 92. 

Born in Chicago May 20, 1921, Matthew was a naval veteran of World War II who served on the USS Yorktown and Lexington in the Pacific. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Matthew was very active in Irish Blackthorn Stick, Knights of Columbus and St. Anne’s Parish in Bethany Beach. He was fondly known as the “mayor” of Wellington Parkway in Delaware.

Matthew’s family will be forever indebted to his devoted caregivers: Rosa, Marguerite, Bob, Selene, Felicia, Sherita, Debbie, Nancy and Stacy.

Matthew was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne; his sister, Eileen Buchanan; his son Matthew J. Ryan IV and his daughter Mary A. Alpert. He is survived by his brother, Donald J. (Clarice); his children, Robert J., Pattie, Kathleen (Joseph) Barczak, Donald P., Michael G., Kevin J. (Karen), James F. (Jean), Lynn I. (Bill) Vosburgh and Jan D. (Edward) Dinota; 28 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, March 20, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral Mass will take place Friday, March 21, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead. Burial will take place at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church Cemetery in Riverhead.

Memorial donations may be sent to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

This is a paid notice.