Street By Newark Cathedral Renamed To Honor Late Essex County Cop

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When people cross the intersection of Clifton and Victoria avenues in Newark – right in front of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart – they’ll have a chance to remember a dedicated cop who served in the county for decades: Kevin Ryan.

On Monday, officials gathered to rename the above street as “Kevin J. Ryan Way” in honor of the late Essex County undersheriff, who passed away on June 20.

Newark North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr., who sponsored the resolution to name the street in honor of Ryan, was present at the renaming ceremony, along with other elected officials and members of the public safety community.

According to county officials, the location outside the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was selected because Ryan also served as special assistant to Cardinal Joseph Tobin, supervising and securing his personal safety as well as the congregants who attend mass and other functions at the cathedral. Ryan served in the same capacity under Tobin's predecessors.

In November 2016, Pope Francis I bestowed the honor of Knight of the Equestian Order for charitable organizations upon Ryan for his community building efforts.

“No matter what the situation, Kevin Ryan was someone you could always count on,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said on the day Ryan passed. “As a member of the Sheriff’s Office, he rose through the ranks to become undersheriff. He was a consummate professional who responded to every emergency, special event and meeting. More importantly, Kevin was a friend to everyone who, without fail, would offer his help and support no matter the time of day.”

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Photo via Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr.