Joseph M. Ryan, surfer

Joseph M. Ryan, 67, of Lewes, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at his home in Ozello, Fla.  Born Nov. 3, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pa., he was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret Ryan. 

Joe grew up in Ocean City, Md., where his parents established Ryan’s Gems and Junk. They spent their winters in Clearwater, Fla., where Joe went to school.  In 1977, the Ryan Building on Rehoboth Boardwalk was built, and Joe ran the store from behind the T-shirt counter, where he made sure there was always good music playing. He and his crew worked hard, played hard, and became lifelong friends and celebrated the end of every season with legendary Labor Day parties. From his young days in Ocean City, he surrounded himself with a family of fellow surfers who were his steadfast friends and travel companions. He was a great surfer, fisherman and storyteller. 

He will be deeply missed by his loving partner for 40 years, Shirley Muncey; his brother, Richard Ryan (MeiEn); nephews, Jon and Rick; and his vast Gems and Junk and surfing families. 

A service in Delaware will be announced at a later date. 

Arrangements by Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, Fla.