North Hempstead Democratic Chairman Dies At Age 69

GREAT NECK, NY — John Ryan, the North Hempstead Democratic Committee chairman, has passed away.

The longtime Great Neck resident died Oct. 23, a day after his 69th birthday, following a battle with prostate cancer, according to multiple media outlets.

"He was probably the most thoughtful person that you'll ever run into," Nassau County Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs told Newsday. "I think he'll always be remembered for his decency, kindness, his quiet leadership, and his ability to bring people together in a time where people were more prone to be torn apart."

Ryan was born on Oct. 22, 1952, and was a co-founder and managing partner of the Ryan & Janowsky Financial Strategies Group in Jericho, according to his LinkedIn profile. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics and finance from St. John's University. He later got another master's degree in gerontology and a post-master's thanatology certification from the College of New Rochelle.

Ryan lived with his wife, Stephanie, in Great Neck — where he served as the former president of the Great Neck Rotary Club and the past deputy governor of Rotary District 7255.

He was most recently the president of the Great Neck Social Center, president of CLASP (Children Learning After School Program), and treasurer of the Great Neck Democratic Club.

Ryan is survived by his wife and three daughters, according to multiple media outlets.