John G. Ryan

John G. Ryan of McLean, Virginia, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and lifelong friend to many, died peacefully surrounded by family on October 3, 2024.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Rosemary; his three beloved daughters, Elizabeth, Maureen (Justin), Katharine (Tim); and four cherished grandchildren, Madeleine, Helena, John, and Samuel John. He is further survived by two of his loving brothers, James and Timothy (Mari Lynne). In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by brothers Paul, Michael (Mary Ann), and sister Sheila.

Born in Syracuse, NY to the late John G. and Veronica Ryan, John Jr. grew up in Jackson Heights and later, Teaneck and Tenafly, NJ where he attended St. Cecilia's High School. John cherished memories of childhood summers in South Boston and Cape Cod, MA where he and his siblings forged lifelong bonds with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in an extended Irish American family.

John later moved to the District of Columbia, where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Georgetown University ('65/'68) and worked at the original Clyde's of Georgetown. At Georgetown, he developed a lasting interest in politics and conservative causes, and he was Executive Director of the National College Young Republicans, and the College Republican National Committee's Outstanding College Republican in the Nation for 1965-67.

Following his U.S. Army service, John joined the legislative staff of the new Environmental Protection Agency where he shepherded passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act. He later served as a prosecutor in the Drug Enforcement Agency, as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and in the Office of the General Counsel of the United States Information Agency promoting U.S. interests abroad. In 1974, John served as Legislative Director and National Security Advisor to Senator Roman Hruska (R-NE), and later, as Legislative Director to NASA Astronaut and Senator Jack Schmitt (R-NM). In 1980, John joined the Washington DC office of Squibb, later Bristol Myers Squibb, where he oversaw legal and legislative affairs until his retirement.

John was a military history expert, an amateur stargazer, a country music enthusiast, a connoisseur of classic movies, and a New York Yankees fan. He delighted in walks with his beloved Irish Wolfhounds and road trips to the American West, frequently using his lifetime pass at U.S. national parks. He was
dedicated to many causes: the Friends of Georgetown's School of Foreign Service Program; Board Member of both the National Kidney Foundation for the Capital Area and the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy; President of the Association of Former U.S. Senate Aides; and member of the Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club and Washington Golf & Country Club.

John took a genuine interest in others, valued character over status, and was ever ready to help a person in need. His twinkling Irish eyes and kind heart endeared him to friends and strangers alike. His greatest joys were being a husband and father to his "girls" and gathering with his siblings, extended family, and friends. A man of principle, John Ryan epitomized what it means to be a loyal friend and leaves a legacy of ordinary acts accomplished with extraordinary love.

Visitation will be held at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, October 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean, VA with a reception to follow.