John Ryan

1958 - 2022

It is with great sadness that the family of John Francis Ryan announce his passing on Thursday the 18 of August 2022. He was 63 years young and a longtime resident of San Mateo.

Gregarious and personable, Johnny drew all kinds of people to him with a fun, laid-back and gentle manner. Throughout life he made friends easily due to a keen sense of humour, curiosity and ability to listen.

Johnny was born in Yokohama, Japan on December 29, 1958, and was the 11th of 13 children born to the late William and Katherine Ryan. He lived most of his childhood in Japan attending St. Joseph's International School before moving with his family to San Mateo in 1972. It was during his childhood in Yokohama that he first met Wylie Mertz who would later become his life partner. After decades together and helping to raise her daughters, Remy and Courtney, Johnny and Wylie married in 2005. Together they lived many happy years in San Mateo and Millbrae. Wylie passed away in 2021.

Johnny had a lifelong passion for music and was a gifted drummer. He fell in love with the drums at a young age and by the time he was in his 20's was highly skilled. He spent much of the early 1980s touring around the world with the influential, Bay Area based avant-garde rock band Snakefinger

After moving on from music, Johnny went to work in the family business. He spent over 25 years at Top Oil. His natural ease with people, creative nature, love of travel and ability to adapt to new cultures served him well in business. He led marketing and drove growth for the company in Asia and Latin America. Indonesia held a special place in his heart. The business and personal relationships he formed there over years of travels remained some of his closest and most valued.

Johnny was predeceased by his parents William and Katherine Ryan, his brother Bill, his brother-in-law Aldo Palmisano and his sister-in-law Patricia Ryan. He is survived by 11 brothers and sisters and their spouses: Tim Ryan, MaryKay (Ed Semansky), Martha (Dan McDonald) Ellie, Jane (Phil Truncer), Bridget (Dave Parker), Eileen (John DeRocco), Joseph (Susan), Therese, Matthew, Frank (Linda); as well as 19 nieces and nephews, his step children: Courtney OConnor and Remy Beers (Nathan), grandchildren: Lillian Beers and Eden OConnor, and his brother-in-law Guy Farmer (Mary).