Ryan, Matthew

B.C. Matthew Ryan, Bat.1FDNY Battalion Chief 6/23/47 – 9/1/01 Matthew Ryan had two loves in his life‚ his family and the fire department. He was a loving husband‚ father‚ grandfather‚ son‚ brother and friend. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years – Margaret‚ his three children – Meaghan‚ Matthew‚ and Joyce‚ his grandson – Michael‚ his mother – Teresa‚ and brothers – Brendan and Frank. When Matty returned from Vietnam‚ he met Margaret across a crowded room. They became soul mates and best friends and were married shortly afterwards. He attended St. Francis College‚ working nights to help support them. Upon graduation‚ Matty joined the Fire Department of New York. He served 18 of his 28-year career in Engine 280‚ both as a firefighter and captain. Matty studied hard and rose through the ranks‚ finally being promoted to Battalion Chief almost exactly one year before September 11th. Many firemen and officers in all ranks respected him as ‘a Fireman’s Fireman.’ His strong sense of duty and responsibility gave everyone in the firehouse confidence when ‘Matty was on duty.’ He was often found‚ even in the heat of a big fire‚ whispering in a younger fireman’s ear‚ giving him instructions and keeping him calm. If he was injured‚ he never complained‚ and most of the time‚ the firemen with him never knew until after he went to the hospital. It was those character traits that made everyone admire and love him. Matthew Ryan was a man of many different loves and interests that made him the man he was. He was very proud of being Irish and epitomized all the best qualities of an Irishman. His greatest passions were hockey‚ music and his newspapers. Matty played hockey with FDNY leagues for 26 years and made numerous friends. His favorite time was a Sunday evening sitting in the living room – simultaneously watching hockey on TV‚ listening to his favorite radio show and reading his newspaper. ‘T’was heaven’ to him. Matty is dearly missed and will never be forgotten by his family‚ friends‚ and all who knew him and loved him. Margaret Ryan