It is with tremendous respect and a great deal of sadness that we must announce the passing of the man, the myth, the legend, Westwood’s John Richard Ryan.
John had survived multiple heart attacks in 2018, but in 2019 things progressively got much worse for his health. Among other problems, he had diabetes, stomach issues and stage four lung cancer. Ironically, he was looking very good on Saturday evening the night before, and was up chatting with his family for two hours, watching Notre Dame, his beloved Mets, and of course, “American Idol.” But in the blink of an eye, things can take a turn for the worst and he passed the following morning.
A mythic figure in the world of softball, baseball, umpiring, coaching, eating hotdogs, collecting records and watching reality television all day,
John passed away Sept. 15 at 73. He is survived by his wife Jane Ryan, his four children, Rory, Randy, Ricky and Bradley, and his soon-to-be fifth child, Renee. He is now in good company, reunited with his parents, his beloved dogs, Hampton, Milton and Davey and he finally gets to meet his idols, John Wayne, Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle.
You’ll easily find him wherever there is a baseball diamond. He’ll be either in the dugout, behind the plate or visiting the concession stand. Try the concession stand first.
