James "PayDay" Ryan Jr.

On October 17th, 2026 at the age of 95, with his wife by his side, Pay Day peacefully completed his earthly journey and was welcomed into his eternal life by God and loved ones. 

Born December 20th, 1930 in Greensburg, PA to the late James and Ardella (Kuhn) Ryan. He was their first born child. It was their father who gave him the nickname Pay Day because he was born on the day his father got paid.

From the ages 10-18 he lived and was educated at the Paradise Protectory and Agricultural School of PA (boy`s orphanage) along with his brother. 

Pay Day is survived by his wife Anna (Hartlaub) Ryan of 74 years whom he met at Forest Park Skating Rink, Hanover PA, his daughter Jane (Ryan) Wardrop, son-in-law Henry Wardrop, and granddaughter Emily Wardrop. 

Pay Day was preceded in death by his mother, brother (Charles Ryan), sister (Shirley Ryan) and step-brother (William Kuhn).

For 24 years, he rode his bike to and from work at UTZ. Upon his retirement at the age of 62, he remained active and experienced much joy in a variety of ways: Planting a large vegetable garden of 16 different crops which he nourished with a rain barrel and a compost container; Spending time in his workshop making wooden toys, whirligigs, birdhouses, squirrel feeders, and cutting boards; Taking daily walks in the Midway, McSherrystown, and Hanover Borough area while making new friends along the way; Traveling to Lambeau Field to cheer on the Green Bay Packers for which he was a public shareholder; Rooting on the Detroit Tigers; Learning about moments in history that shaped the world by watching the Story Television Channel; Watching animals and birds that visited his backyard feeders.

For 95 years he made the world a better place. He was a man who loved and was loved. The world is a little less bright with Pay Day no longer in it.

Panebaker Funeral Home is in charge of the burial arrangements.

A graveside service will be held on Monday October 26th, 2026 at 12 PM, at Rest Haven Cemetery, Westminster Rd, Hanover, PA.