Obituary of Albanus R. Ryland, Jr.

June 13, 1936 – March 4, 2025

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Albanus “Buddy” Ryland on March 4, 2025 at his home in Union Township, New Jersey, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer. Born on June 13, 1936, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania to the late Albanus and Marian (née Haas) Ryland.

Al attended Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania before continuing his education at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.

He honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959, with stations in Geneva, NY, Waco, TX, Portland, OR, and Okinawa Island, Japan. After serving in the military, where he was first introduced to early computer technology, he worked at Berkshire Knitting Mills from 1959 to 1964 before continuing his career at Phillips-Van Heusen until his retirement in 1995. He also served on the Union Township, New Jersey Planning Board.

He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Albanus Ryland; his daughter, Sue Ann Cusick; and his sisters, Doris Batturs and Patricia Shott. 

Albanus is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Cecile Shimko Ryland; his daughter, Melissa Ryland Skrabal (Robert) and his son-in-law William H. Cusick. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Rebecca Cusick Salierno (Nicholas), William Skrabal (Laura), Elizabeth Cusick, Robert  Skrabal (Lauren), William S. Cusick (Presley), Katharine Cusick LaHart (James), Sarah Skrabal, and Rachael Cusick (Michael Chaitow); and seven cherished great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy; his sister, Marian Batz; and his brother, Charles Ryland. Additionally, he is survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Al will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, the joy he took from tending his garden and fruit trees and his generosity and kindness. He loved spending time at the Ryland family farm in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loved ones, and his beach house in Belmar, New Jersey, where the grandchildren and their families loved to gather. He traveled the world with his wife, grandchildren, and family, creating lasting memories on unforgettable adventures across the globe.  He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 8th from 10:00 until 11:00AM at the Hillsborough Reformed Church at Millstone, 1 Amwell Road Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844. Funeral service will begin at 11:00AM following the visitation in church. Interment will follow at the Rocky Hill Cemetery. The family requests that you refrain from sending flowers, but rather consider making a donation to Albanus’s memory to the Abramson Cancer Center - Penn Medicine Click Here to Donate or the Flemington Area Food Pantry Click Here to Donate.