Obituary of James T. Cryan

Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Saturday, October 19th at 1:30 PM EST

LIVESTREAM LINK

James T. Cryan (Jimmy) was born in Newark N.J. and raised in the Vailsburg section before moving to South Orange, Union and eventually Little River, South Carolina. He attended Sacred Heart School in Newark and graduated from Columbia High School in 1983. Upon graduation Jimmy entered the family business working and then owning Cryan’s Beef and Ale in South Orange. A master storyteller, Jimmy always had a smile, quick joke, the latest “news” or just a hello to everyone who came into the Beef and Ale. His gregarious personality was a great fit for the business and he enjoyed many years of success in South Orange. After relocating to Little River he remained active in the restaurant business, fished and spent more time with his cherished wife Noreen.

Jimmy just loved his many summer spent in Ireland with the Cryan family.  He would visit cousins, aunts, uncles and his annual trips to Castlerea were the stuff of legend. Jimmy’s big heart and caring personality made him beloved by all on both sides of the Atlantic. Cancer has taken Jimmy from us too soon, but we will remember how he loved his family, his friends, the bar business and gave us all many a good laugh or story along the way.

Jimmy was a member of the Cryan Association, Giblin Association, County Roscommon Society, South Orange Lions Club and the NJ Association of Bar Owners. He was honored by the Essex County Police and Fire Emerald Society, EIES of New Jersey, Project Children, South Orange Rescue Squad and numerous law enforcement organizations for all his charitable contributions. 

Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Cryan, brothers Michael, John and Edward, nephew John III and brother in law Richard Birch. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Noreen (McCarthy) Cryan, siblings Mary (Cissy) Donohue (Joseph), Joseph (Kathy) and Eileen Birch, sisters in law Lisa Cryan and Christine Cryan, brother in law Brian McCarthy and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Zoe Cryan Trust, Castlepunkett, County Roscommon, Ireland F45A096 or the American Cancer Society.

The family will be receiving friends at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home 2122 Millburn Ave, Maplewood on Friday, Oct 18^th from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at. St. Joseph’s Church 767 Prospect St., Maplewood on Saturday, Oct 19^th at 1:30 PM.