Mr. Gerry David Ryan, beloved husband, father, and friend, died peacefully at his home on Chincoteague Island, on April 8, 2025.
Born in Dover, N.J., on Jan. 30, 1935, he was predeceased by his parents, Thelma and Gerald Ryan; sister, Diane Hahn; and grandson, Brian Bodlak.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Ken Duncan (Terri), of Parrish, Fla., Andy Duncan (Mary), of Estero, Fla., Meredith, of New Hampshire, Susan Martin (Randy), of East Stroudsburg, Pa., and Amy Carson (Ronnie), of Easton, Pa.; his grandchildren, Anthony Martin (Asheigh), Ryan Duncan (Juhi), Lucy Duncan, Emily Martin, Jimmy Bodlak, Josh Carson (Paige), MaryJean Voight (Adam); and his seven great-grandchildren.
Gerry graduated from Roselle Park High School. He received a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State Teacher’s College and a master’s degree from Kean College in New Jersey. In 2006, he received the United States Coast Guard U.S. Merchant Marine Officer Master’s License, of which he was very proud.
Gerry was a public school teacher, guidance counselor, and administrator in New Jersey. After moving to the island, he taught at Chincoteague Combined School for several years. His love of learning and teaching was evident both in the classroom and on his boat while sailing the waters of Chincoteague and Assateague aboard the Linda J. He loved fishing, boating, and photography.
He was a past president of Kiwanis and the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Eastern Shore Public Library Board of Trustees. He served many years as chairman of the Chincoteague Chamber’s Oyster Festival and Annual Christmas Parade. In 2010, Gerry and his wife, Linda, were awarded the Leonard “Buddy” Burton Business Persons of the Year Award. He was a founding member of the Chincoteague Charter Boat Association and helped to organize the annual Blessing of the Fleet.
Gerry loved telling a good story and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chincoteague Island Library, 4077 Main St., Chincoteague Island, VA 23336.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at Christ United Methodist Church on Chincoteague Island.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
