Ryan, John Joseph of New York City and Norwalk, CT, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019, in Norwalk, at the age of 54. John was born on August 3, 1965, in New York, NY, to the late John and Anne (nee Joyce) Ryan. John was a proud graduate of Fordham Preparatory High School and Villanova University. He was a member of Local 46 of the Metal Lathers Union in NYC.
John’s passion was spending time with his friends and large extended family, generously offering a helping hand to all who needed it, whatever the time day or night, doting on his nieces and nephews, traveling (particularly to Australia), engaging in the lost art of mailing post cards, and, of course, the game of rugby — everything about the game of rugby! John was a walking encyclopedia on the game, first developing his interest as a teen at Fordham Prep High School. John continued his great passion for the game at Villanova University, and following college, by playing and coaching with the New York Athletic Club Rugby Club.
John was happiest spending time with his family and wide circle of friends, and would not only drop everything if you needed help, but would show up with a huge smile. He considered every day an adventure. He was less of a fan of sunscreen, vegetables, the State of New Jersey, or anybody who had the temerity to share the road with him while he was driving.
John will be so greatly missed by his loving fiancé Anne Wang of Norwalk, CT, his brother Thomas (Suzanne) of New York City, sister Christine (Curt) of New York City, nephews Thomas and Kevin Ryan, nieces Claire, Mairead, and Brigid Burwell, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and assorted family and a world-wide group of friends.
Reposing on Friday, September 6, 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm, at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY. The funeral mass will be at 9:45 am on Saturday, September 7, at St. Margaret of Cortona Catholic Church, 6000 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's name can be made to the Fordham Preparatory High School Rugby team, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, or by simply performing a random act of kindness, such as offering to drive someone to the airport.