Barton K. Ryan

SHAMOKIN DAM, Pa. — Barton K. Ryan died on June 6, 2025, after developing

complications from surgery. He was 87 years old.

The son of Walter G.H. Ryan and Edna Francis (née Morse) Ryan, he was born in

Passaic, N.J., on Nov. 11, 1937. He graduated from Nutley (N.J.) High School and

Bloomfield (N.J.) College.

He worked for SeaLand Corp. as a Maritime Para-Legal for more than 30 years. He

married Ruth Rainier at Grace Church in Nutley, N.J., on Sept. 23, 1961. The couple

lived in Nutley for a few years before moving to Old Bridge, N.J., where they lived for 28

years. Later, they lived in Selinsgrove, Pa., for 23 years and recently moved to

Shamokin Dam, Pa.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Spotswood, N.J., where he was

active in the choir and served on the Vestry for many years.

He enjoyed building things and DIY home improvement projects, especially if said

projects involved digging up lots of dirt—much to Ruth’s dismay. When there was

nothing left to do at home, he took on projects for the church, friends, and family.

He enjoyed stamp collecting and was an aficionado of all things Titanic. During the

holidays, he set up a Christmas Village with Garfield-themed ceramics.

He volunteered with the Middlesex County 4-H program, using his construction skills to

rebuild the 4-H refreshment stand at the fairgrounds and complete other projects.

After moving to Pennsylvania in 2001, he became a member of All Saints Episcopal

Church in Selinsgrove and served on the Vestry there for many years. He was a

member of St. Andrew’s Guild and enjoyed Bible study and Lenten theology programs.

He helped found Martha’s Table at All Saints and volunteered with the organization for

17 years, serving free dinners to the public twice a month. He and Ruth retired from

running the program in February 2025.

He was known for his back-rubbing skills, dad humor, and generosity.

He was predeceased by a brother, Bob Ryan, and a sister, Carolyn Amann.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughters Margaret Ryan (husband, Steve Kinsel) and Lillian

Ryan-Shupe; son David Ryan (wife, Deirdre Martin Ryan); and grandchildren Tania

Kinsel and Jayden Ryan.

A memorial service will be held on July 12, at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church,

129 Market St., Selinsgrove, Pa., 17870.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Martha’s Table of All Saints Episcopal

Church, P.O. Box 119, Selinsgrove, Pa., 17870.

Arrangements are by the V.L. Seebold Funeral Home, 601 N. High St., Selinsgrove.

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