John S. Ryan

John lived in Metuchen, NJ throughout his childhood and teen years. As soon as he turned 18, John started his adventures into adulthood: fishing, camping and learning to fly. He really enjoyed the outdoors, with fly fishing quickly becoming a favorite. John had a very strong work ethic, which unfortunately put a damper on the outdoors. When he could, he would watch NASCAR and Formula 1. He really loved open wheel racing.

His mother Vita was a strong force in his life, and he always spoke so lovingly of her. John was also close with his cousin, Joe, who was more like a brother to him. Both Vita and Joe passed away before John, as did John’s sister who predeceased him.

John got married in his twenties to Kim Fundock, also from Metuchen, NJ. As a couple they decided to move to Daytona Beach, FL, where they stayed for almost 20 years, with John making a living as a delivery driver for Norandex and as a sales associate for Lowe’s. With a heavy heart, John and Kim divorced in 1997. John, still a young man, moved into an apartment in Ridge Apartments where he and his trusty beagle lived for a few years. One day, while walking his dog on the beach, he met Karen Dunaway, and together they moved back to Edison, NJ for 15 years before Karen passed. During those years, John worked for Easter Seals and Suburban Transit, both in New Brunswick, NJ.

John continued to go fishing and met Scott and Victoria Dunfee, quickly becoming the greatest of friends. Scott and Victoria asked John if he would be the Godfather of their son, Alex Porubsky Dunfee, which he of course said yes. John was a strong presence in their lives, and they introduced him to good friends of theirs, including Frank and Annette Adams, who became the best of friends until John’s passing. John retired in 2020 and decided he was tired of the harsh winters and moved back to Daytona Beach, into the same Ridge Apartments as before. Scott and Victoria had already established residence nearby, and remained close.

John had a lot of friends here in Florida and in New Jersey. He was close with his bosses at Suburban, and was close with the original crew of Easter Seals, Andy and Lenor, who always helped him with the computer. John became close with his neighbors at Ridge Apartments. It made his day to talk with Bruce and Christie, have a beer with Alex, or shoot the breeze with Pete and his wife. He will be sadly missed. A remembrance will be held at a later date.