Credit: Keith White
Constable Steve Ryan knew the job and knew how to the treat people.
“Stevie was a good guy, a funny guy. He always had a laugh, ” Bristol District Judge Frank Peranteau Sr. said. “You know, I don’t even recall getting any complaints about Steve. And there will always be some in this line of business.”
The 64-year-old Bristol Borough resident and lawman passed away last Saturday, and his loss was felt throughout town.
Ryan, an elected constable of over 40 years, worked throughout Lower Bucks County and even served as a Philadelphia Municipal Court Landlord Tenant Officer in addition to being involved as an ice hockey coach for Conwell Egan Catholic High School. The longtime constable, a Temple University graduate, was also involved in the Bristol Consolidated Fire Department and served as a trustee.
“Steve was not only my mentor and boss, he was my best friend. I have big shoes to fill. I just only hope that I can take over and be as successful,” Constable Keith White said. White often worked with Ryan, who handled mainly civil matters in his later years.
Bristol Township-based Constable Kevin Wagner, president of the Bucks County Constable Association, said Ryan was known for his positive attitude and work ethic.
“When I started 20 years ago, he was already working for years,” Wagner said, adding Ryan helped train many of today’s constables.
Peranteau, who first met Ryan while working for the Bristol Borough Police Department years ago, said Ryan was the guy to go to if there were any questions about a constable’s duties.
“He was a really pleasant guy and really into the job,” recently-retried Bristol Chief of Police Arnold Porter said.
Ryan was known around Bristol for his meticulously maintained Dodge Charger, kind demeanor and the fact he was always ready to work.
“I remember he was always looking to serve court papers,” Porter recalled.
Despite being in declining health over the past few years, Ryan keep up his grind and remained busy with Peranteau’s court, the district judge said.
Elected officials know it isn’t always easy to keep getting the support of constituents, especially when you have taken a few of them to jail or served eviction notices on them. Peranteau said he thinks Ryan’s treatment of his neighbors and those he carried his duties out on led to a mutual respect.
“All those years of knowledge that he had. He will be sadly missed,” Peranteau said.
Ryan was not married and had no children. He is survived by siblings and their children.
Ryan was recently just elected to another six-year term. His replacement will be appointed by a county judge.
A viewing for Ryan will be held Saturday at Galzerano Funeral Home at 3500 Bristol-Oxford Valley Road in Levittown from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. A funeral service will be held after and burial will be held privately by the family.
Instead of flowers, Ryan’s family suggests donations to the Bristol Consolidated Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 2125, Bristol, PA 19007.
