Obituary of Thomas Ryan

Thomas “Noel” Ryan, beloved and joyful husband, friend, and barman at the Dublin House in Red Bank, died unexpectedly at Sandy Hook Beach Monday, August 5, at the age of 72.

Born in 1951 in Pallasgreen in Co. Limerick, Ireland, Noel enjoyed growing up in a big family and a wide open country. He was great “craic” at even a young age, making friends fast and hatching big plans. After studying at University College Galway, Noel moved to the United States in 1971, where he quickly found his vocation pouring pints in the Irish pubs of New York. There, he met Margaret, the straw that stirred his drink. 

Noel was a born storyteller and keen listener, quick with a joke or a light of your smoke. And while a master of his craft, he had been sober for more than 30 years and was a strong advocate and emergency phone call for those looking to do the same. He was warm, witty and wise and would converse agreeably on books, politics, religion, or Chelsea football. 

Noel and Margaret moved to Atlantic Highlands in 2007, where they found another tribe. Noel cooked for neighbors, fed the neighborhood cats (and then took two in, Enzo and Hobbes), and made sure that no one was left out or behind. There were no strangers; just friends who hadn’t yet rode the elevator together. Noel loved Ireland and would return often, especially to the cinematic dreamscape of County Kerry, where he lived many happy days. He will be there always, in spirit. 

Noel is survived by Margaret (Bonner), his wife of 49 years; sisters Helen and Breeda; sisters-in-law Anne, Maisie, Sally and Mena; brothers-in-law Patrick and Seamus; nine nieces and nephews who were the beneficiaries of his prodigious gift-giving; and best pal Eamonn Ryan, age 7. He was predeceased by his loving parents, William and Mary; brothers Larry, Tony, and Eddie; brother-in-law Cathal; and nephew Johnny.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 21, from 4-6 pm at Posten-McGinley Funeral Home, 59 E. Lincoln Ave., Atlantic Highlands followed by a celebration of life at Dublin House in Red Bank.  

One of Noel’s closest friends, Alexia Ryan, shared this remembrance, which captures Noel’s essence as well as anything could:

Noel was always himself, always your cheerleader, your friend, comforting, helpful, honest and hysterical. I know he wasn’t ready to go, he had so much he still wanted to do. He loved being back to work, he loved seeing everyone and laughing with everyone, to him it wasn’t work. He loved being around people and telling stories and listening to their heartbreaks and offering advice when asked. He was the most genuine person I’ve ever met and he was such a huge part of my life and my family. I will never get over the loss I feel, but all I know is right now he can’t talk, he’s three deep at the pub pouring pints and sneaking peeks at the Chelsea match. I hope he knows how much we will miss him and our lives will never be the same.