John W. Ryan Jr., a retired RCA Electrician, died Thursday at his home in New Smyrna Beach. He was 91. Born in Mounds, Illinois, Ryan moved to New Smyrna Beach and graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School in 1944. He served in the Civil Air Patrol and both the United States Navy and Air Force Reserves. He survived a 1946 plane crash in the Atlantic Ocean off the shore of New Smyrna Beach. After attending Massey Business College, Ryan began working for RCA at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, where his duties included assisting operations at Launch Pad 17, the site of numerous Delta rocket launches. In 1959, he and his wife Delores began 60 years of marriage celebrated earlier this year at one of his favorite eating locations – the New Smyrna Beach McDonalds. He was a former member of the New Smyrna Beach Elks Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. Ryan Sr. and Loyola Gabel and his sister, Kathleen. In addition to Delores, he is survived by sons Jack and Dan, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his beloved cat, Sparky. A viewing/remembrance will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 14 at Baldwin Brothers, 1 North Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, followed by graveside services at Edgewater Cemetery.