Obituary for John “Jack” Howard Ryan
John “Jack” Howard Ryan, 89, of Largo, Florida, passed away on August 5, 2024. Born on May 4, 1935, in Toledo, Ohio; Jack was the son of the late Howard John Ryan and Helen Marie Worden.
On September 30, 1961, Jack married his beloved wife, Diane Janene Pabst in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Together, they shared 62 years of love, laughter and family. He left us peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Diane; his brother Thomas Ryan; brothers-in-law, Thomas Pabst and Thomas Wyss; sister-in-law, Kandice Carpenter; his children: Kevin (Cindy) Ryan, Molly (Brian) Croyle , Kathleen (Jeffrey) Stoughton and Caroline (Shawn) Bellows ; 12 grandchildren: Jack Ryan, John “JT” Croyle (Hannah), Jake Bellows (Megan), Mick Ryan, Cole Bellows (Lily), Grey Croyle, Luke Ryan, Buck Ryan, Gage Bellows, Abigail Stoughton, Danielle Stoughton, Kyle Stoughton, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Patricia Grubbs, brother-in-law, Lt Col Paul Grubbs Sr, sister-in-law Shirley Wyss, brother-in-law Donald Carpenter, sister-in-law Janel Ryan and his son-in-law Jeffrey Stoughton.
He was a proud Army veteran, an enthusiastic sportsman and a man who found happiness in the simple joys of life. Whether he was fishing, sailing or playing a round of golf, Jack’s zest for life was infectious. He was a man of great faith and had a remarkable way of making every moment special, whether through his humorous stories, his love of Black Label beer, or his tender care of family pets.
Jack was a proud alumnus of Indiana University (IU) and had a successful career as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Shering-Plough until he retired in 19989.
As Jack Nicklaus wisely said, “The greatest thing you can do in life is to find your passion and follow it with everything you have, but remember that family is the one thing that is truly important.” Jack lived this sentiment fully, finding joy in his passions and, above all, in his family.
Following Jack’s wishes, there will be no funeral or celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the IU Athletic Dept (Go Hoosiers!) or Morton Plant Meese Foundation, honoring his legacy and commitment to education, and of course, his fervent support of the Hoosiers. Jack’s memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His spirit and stories will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
