John F. Cryan

John F. Cryan (Johnny), 52, of Hoboken, New Jersey, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny, who left us far too soon. He was a devoted and loving father, a cherished brother, a remarkable uncle, and a true friend. To all who knew him, Johnny was steadfast, loyal, and full of heart.

Born in Orange, New Jersey, Johnny grew up in Convent Station and later Morristown before eventually settling in Hoboken. He graduated from Hanover Park High School and earned a degree in Political Science and Government from Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, where he was a standout on the club rugby team. After college, Johnny joined the family business at September’s Restaurant in East Hanover, beginning a lifelong career rooted in hospitality and service. He lived with a true Irish spirit—marked by a sharp sense of humor, a disarming wit, and an uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued.

His passion for people naturally extended into public service. Johnny served on the Morristown Planning Board, the Morris County Democratic Committee, the Morristown Partnership Trustee Board, and as Morristown Council President. Whether serving a guest or advocating for a constituent, Johnny approached every interaction with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to justice. He was deeply informed, opinionated in the best way, and always ready for a spirited debate. Johnny was a beautiful soul who would help anyone in need and possessed a rare gift for finding joy in life’s simplest moments.

Johnny honored his parents by keeping Irish stories, music, and traditions alive, often sharing them with those around him, and he spoke fondly of cherished trips to Ireland. A lifelong New York Yankees fan, Johnny also loved Bruce Springsteen, the many summers spent at the Jersey Shore—where he built lifelong friendships and treasured memories—and the New York Jets, often to the dismay of the “Cattaraugus Crew.” Above all else, Johnny was a deeply devoted and nurturing father. Everything he did was for Lucy. She was the center of his universe, and he was endlessly proud of her, often calling her his “greatest accomplishment.”

Johnny’s radiant smile, generosity, and curiosity left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who were lucky enough to know and love him. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Brigid (nee Martin) Cryan, and his beloved aunt, Mary Colette Martin. He is survived by his daughter, Lucy, and her mother, Jacqueline Illig; his twin sister, Colette (Timothy) Chapman; his brothers, Chuck (Heidi) and James (Megan); as well as countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever cherish his memory. Suaimhneas Síoraí Air — Eternal rest be upon him.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ on Tuesday, February 3 from 4 to 8 p.m.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ. Interment will be private.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to be made to Lucy’s 529 College Savings Plan in Johnny’s memory. Checks should be made payable to College America. In the memo please write: FBO Lucy Cryan. Please mail checks to: Equitable Advisors c/o Rick Campbell 190 Sunset Drive, Suite 4, Hamburg, NY 14075.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John F. Cryan, please visit our floral store.