Timothy E. Ryan was born in Orange and is a graduate of Howell High School. He attended St. Joseph Seminary for Franciscan Friars in Pulaski, Wisc., and graduated from The American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, New York. He and his wife, Denise, live in Toms River and are members of St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville.

Ryan’s professional memberships include the National Funeral Directors Association, where he has served on the National Contagious and Infections Disease Committee and the Advocacy Committee. A member and past president of the New Jersey State Funeral Director Association, he currently serves the association as a trustee. Ryan is also a member of the board of trustees in Community Medical Center, Toms River, and a trustee in The Garden State Cancer Center, Belleville.

Ryan served in the borough of Seaside Park as a councilman and chairman of the water and sewer department, and as past president of the Coast Guard building restoration fund raising committee. In the borough of Lavallette, he served on numerous committees; as past president and director of the Board of Public Assistance, and on the First Aid Squad.

Ryan has served as a member of the board of trustees for Morris Hall, Lawrenceville, and the Ocean County Board of Catholic Charities. He was a member and trustee in St. Bonaventure Parish, Lavallette, as well as president of its Holy Name Society.

Ryan is a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8413; an affiliate member of the Order of Friars Minor, Assumption Province, and a Knight of Merit with Star in The Sacred Constantinian Order of St. George, in addition to his recent investiture as Knight Grand Cross in The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

“It is a very prestigious honor,” noted Ryan of his promotion in the Knights, “and dear to my heart, since I was once in formation with the Franciscan Friars who are charged with watching over the Holy Land. It is very important work the Order does: to help Christian people still there.”