Michael John Ryan, 94, passed away at home with family present on December 17, 2025. He was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey and was a long-time resident of Cranford, New Jersey. Michael attended high school at St. Peter’s Prep, went to college at Saint Peter’s University, and earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

He had a long legal career practicing admiralty and maritime law and was very well respected by his peers. He began his legal career in Chicago, Illinois and eventually joined the firm of Hill, Betts & Nash, LLP in New York, New York in September 1972.

Michael was also very proud of the fact that he had a long and distinguished career serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He attended Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia in 1953 and was deployed to Korea. At one point he was attached to the Seabees. Michael continued to serve in the reserves until his retirement in 1985 at the rank of colonel.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Ellen, and his brother, Donald. He is survived by his brothers, Liam and Douglas; his children, Michael, Hillary, and Kevin; his grandchildren, Asha, Benjamin, and Annika; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 40 Alden St., Cranford, NJ. Burial will follow on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd., Triangle, VA.