Joseph John Ryan, 75, of Wake Forest, North Carolina died on May 23, 2019 at hospice after a tiring battle with cancer.

He was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania on July 30, 1943, son of the late Jack and Dorothy Ryan. Joe attended Monsignor Bonner Catholic High School in Upper Darby, PA.

Joe married Marie Ryan and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Joe and Marie were true companions and were always by each others side.

Joe enjoyed fishing for bass and was a true lover of nature. He was a big sports fan and loved all things sports. He was a true Patriot and loved his country. He was a funny man and loved to joke and make people laugh. One of his favorite things to do do was stump people with his trivia questions. He would make up riddles and loved to tell them often. He fiercely loved his family and would protect them at all costs.

He is survived by his spouse, Marie; his daughter, Terri Ryan-Lipps and her husband, Michael Lipps of Raleigh, NC; his son, Joey Ryan of Acworth, GA; and his four grandchildren, Mason, Kaitlyn, Joey, and Jessica.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at eleven o'clock in the morning on Thursday, May 30, 2019. A graveside committal service will take place at Raleigh Memorial Park immediately following the service.

The family is especially grateful to Dr. George, Sarah Woods, and the entire staff at Duke University Hospital who helped give Joe an extra few years of life.