John V. “Jake” Ryan, Jr. - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

John V. “Jake” Ryan, Jr.

Born October 28, 1935

Jake Ryan, age 80, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at home while surrounded by his family and friends after a long battle with cancer.

He was born in Wilmington, DE on October 28, 1935 to the late John V. Ryan Sr. and Emily (Wilson) Ryan.
Jake was the owner of First State Steel Drum Company and retiree of the United Asbestos Workers Union. He was an avid sportsman his entire life and a very proud member of the 1952-1953 William Penn High School state championship football teams. He played an integral role in Coach Bill Cole’s famous 4 J’s backfield. Jake played semi-pro football for the Marcus Hook Oilers and was an All Star center fielder for many years in the Wilmington Semi-Pro Baseball League.

He sponsored many teams and played fast pitch, slow pitch, and senior softball for over 50 years. He also coached numerous youth teams in the Newark National Little League, Newark Babe Ruth, and the Capital Trail football league. He was the former ASA State Commissioner of Delaware softball and a member of the State Softball Hall of Fame.

He was a hunting and golf enthusiast and most enjoyed these pastimes with his family and friends. Jake was a lifetime member of the Holloway Terrace Fire Co., the Brandywine Rod and Gun Club, and Cavaliers Country Club.

His greatest passion and enjoyment in life were his family and friends and he will be dearly missed by everyone who loved him.

In addition to his parents, Jake was preceded in death by his lifelong best friend John Hopkins. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jane Lee (Sentman) Ryan; sons, John V. Ryan III, Robert S. Ryan,William Rick Ryan and his wife, Dr. Daria Ryan; sisters, Barbara Rossiter and husband, Harry and Mildred Garcia and husband, Bernie; brother, Toby Ryan and wife, Shirley; and his four wonderful grandchildren, Jay and his wife, Michelle, Mitch, Austin and Alexis.

The family would like to thank Delaware Hospice for their compassionate care and service, as well as the staff at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing from 10 am until 12 Noon on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at the Spicer Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. Dupont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will follow at 12 Noon. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holloway Terrace Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 684, Manor Branch, New Castle, DE 19720.

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17 Condolences for John V. “Jake” Ryan, Jr.

  • RIP Jake. My condolences to the Ryan family.

  • To Jane and the Ryan family, we were so saddened to learn of Jake’s passing. What a pleasure to have been friends with him over the many years. We have such great memories with Jane and Jake at Cavaliers, a place he called home for many years. We listened to so many stories of his athletic exploits over the years, including the experiences he had with his best friend, Hoppy. Jake was such a great man and competitor. The game of golf drove him nuts, but he was always back the next day to try to conquer it, much as he did with everything in his life. We cherish our memories of Jake and Jane together at Cavaliers, and will always hold them in a special place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathies go to the entire family.

  • Our dear friend Jake will be greatly missed. He was always fun to be around. He was a man who always gave of himself. His contributions to sports is immeasurable. We loved going on golf trips together. We used to tease each other with plastic flamingos. We would find them on our lawn and mysteriously they would end up on Jake’s lawn. Oh, how we will miss those times!! He loved to sing Christmas Carols at our Christmas parties. “Blue Christmas” was his favorite.
    We love you Jake and Jane.

  • Jane Lee, so sorry to hear about Jake’s passing. It has been many years since we have been together, but I always remember Jake’s smile and jokes ( like Daddy). Take care, am thinking of you and your family.

  • Jack was a good friend my condolences to the Ryan family.

  • Jane and Boys, I hope jake is resting in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    John

  • Deepest sympathy to all of Jake’s family, from our hearts to yours.

  • Please know that my sincere love will be with you during this most trying , sad and difficult of times. Warmly, Joanna

  • Our sincere condolences to Jane and the entire Ryan family. I only knew Jake for a few years but am very glad that I had the opportunity to know him.

  • I enjoyed knowing Jake during the time I worked in the NCC Sports Office. He was a great guy with an outstanding career in various programs and activities. I am very sorry for your loss.

  • My thoughts and prayers and with the Ryan family.
    Peter

  • To Jane and the Boys,my condolences to you for your loss. I remember back when I was young and hunting with Jake in Cambridge.Many good memories I will remember.

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ryan family. (Joyce)

  • Jane Lee, Rocky, Robbie, Ricky, and family,
    We are so sorry to learn about my “uncle” Jake. Hardly a day went by that Dad didn’t recount a story that included Jake. I know you will cherish all the many memories.
    Much love,
    Colleen and Toli (in Naples, Italy but our thoughts and prayers are in New Castle today.)

  • We are very sorry for the loss of Jake Ryan. Richard is in bed with a bad back, and he is very sorry he can’t be at the funeral. Our prayers are with Jane and the family. Jake was a wonderful cousin. Love, Rich and Linda

  • Dear Mrs. Ryan: Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am to hear of the loss of Mr. Ryan. I will always remember the Friday nights we spent together at Cavaliers. It has not been the same without you. You both will always hold a special place in my heart. How can I forget my Friday night gift bag full of Mr. Ryan’s home grown tomatoes? Every time I eat a cherry tomato I will think of him because his were the best! I will cherish my memories of him. I know he is up in Heaven with “Hoppy” and they are having a ball! Please know that you are always in my thoughts and my prayers. Please offer my sincere condolences to your sons and grandchildren. You are very special to me and I love you dearly.

    Sincerely,
    Sissy Harrison

  • Jane,

    so sorry to hear at this late date about Jake. I played with and against Jake in the Senior Softball Evening leagues, and also have fond memories of playing golf with him. He will be missed as he was so instrumental in sports in Delaware. I also remember practicing the discus and javelin with Jake, he was exceptional at the javelin. Jake was a good friend to have.

    Jim