Celebration of Life
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 11:00 AM
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
89 Ridge Street, Newark, NJ 07104
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
89 Ridge Street, Newark, NJ 07104
Repast Luncheon
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 12:30 PM
NJPAC- Nico Kitchen
One Center St, Newark, NJ 07102
NJPAC- Nico Kitchen
One Center St, Newark, NJ 07102
With a Heavy Heart: Remembering Arthur “Art” F. Ryan
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to share my deepest condolences following the passing of Arthur “Art” F. Ryan.
Art’s leadership, generosity and deep commitment to service left an indelible mark on New Jersey and the City of Newark. As a former chairman and chief executive officer of Prudential Financial, he was a widely respected business and civic leader whose influence extended far beyond the institutions he led.
His connection to Essex County Branch Brook Park was especially meaningful. Art’s beloved late wife, Pat Ryan, was one of the three founding board members of Branch Brook Park Alliance in 1999. Following Pat’s passing, Art stepped forward as an advisor and significant supporter, helping sustain her vision and ensuring that the Alliance’s important work continued to thrive.
Together, Pat and Art created an enduring legacy—one that lives on in the beauty of the park, in the communities it serves and in the work of the Alliance. Two of the park’s beloved lion statues bear their names. It is a privilege to have been entrusted with that legacy, and I look forward to honoring them by carrying this work forward with the same dedication, generosity and care they demonstrated throughout their lives.
My heart is with Art's family, their loved ones and all those fortunate enough to have known him.
With deepest sympathy,
Thomas
Thomas B. Dougherty, Jr.
Branch Brook Park Alliance, President
Art’s leadership, generosity and deep commitment to service left an indelible mark on New Jersey and the City of Newark. As a former chairman and chief executive officer of Prudential Financial, he was a widely respected business and civic leader whose influence extended far beyond the institutions he led.
His connection to Essex County Branch Brook Park was especially meaningful. Art’s beloved late wife, Pat Ryan, was one of the three founding board members of Branch Brook Park Alliance in 1999. Following Pat’s passing, Art stepped forward as an advisor and significant supporter, helping sustain her vision and ensuring that the Alliance’s important work continued to thrive.
Together, Pat and Art created an enduring legacy—one that lives on in the beauty of the park, in the communities it serves and in the work of the Alliance. Two of the park’s beloved lion statues bear their names. It is a privilege to have been entrusted with that legacy, and I look forward to honoring them by carrying this work forward with the same dedication, generosity and care they demonstrated throughout their lives.
My heart is with Art's family, their loved ones and all those fortunate enough to have known him.
With deepest sympathy,
Thomas
Thomas B. Dougherty, Jr.
Branch Brook Park Alliance, President
In Memory of Arthur F. Ryan
At the request of the Ryan family, those wishing to honor Art’s memory are invited to make a gift to Branch Brook Park Alliance. Your support will help preserve and care for Essex County Branch Brook Park.
