Joseph S. Ryan, 94

BETHANY BEACH - Joseph S. Ryan, of Bethany Beach, formerly of Potomac, Md., passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin, Md. He was 94.

Mr. Ryan was born in Indianapolis on April 17, 1914, son of the late Frank A. and Wanda (Weldy) Ryan.

He was a graduate of Purdue University.

Mr. Ryan was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army, retiring in 1951 as a lieutenant colonel.

He worked in Defense Satellite Communications at the Defense Communication Agency, retiring in 1976.

Mr. Ryan loved politics, cooking and gardening.

He was also the past president of Sussex Shores Beach Association.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Eva Ward Ryan.

He is survived by a daughter, Deborah Cairns and her husband Scott of Jacksonville, Fla.; a son, John Ryan and his wife Kathleen Vetter of Cabin John, Md.; five grandchildren, Joshua and James Ryan, Sam, Elizabeth and Allison Cairns; and a sister, Dorothy Doty of Indianapolis.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Friday in St. Martha's Episcopal Church, Pennsylvania Avenue and Maplewood Street, Bethany Beach.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Ocean View.