Ryan Matt Pettibone

Ryan Matt Pettibone, age 39, of La Verne, California, passed away in Mukilteo, Washington, on February 4, 2026. Ryan was born on February 15, 1986, in Everett, Washington, to his parents, Matt Wayne Pettibone and Susan Jane Pettibone.

Ryan was a lifelong learner. After graduating from Kamiak High School, he earned degrees in physics and mathematics from the University of Rochester. He later received a master’s degree in physics from the California Institute of Technology and a second master’s degree in computer science from Tufts University. Even while on vacation, he could often be found by the beach with a physics textbook and scratch paper, double-checking the author’s calculations.

As a learner, Ryan was always seeking his next challenge. He spoke three languages—English, French, and Spanish—and was beginning to learn Russian before his passing. An avid runner, Ryan qualified for the Boston Marathon. He loved spending time at his local climbing gym and was exceptionally talented at solving bouldering problems. Ryan also enjoyed forging and sharpening knives, often gifting his handcrafted work to family and friends. He loved to cook for and with others, finding joy in preparing pasta and his signature sauce alongside family, even during difficult seasons. Artistically, he expressed himself through painting—each member of his family treasures a “Ry” portrait of a beloved pet—as well as through playing the piano and attending salsa dancing classes.

Above all, Ryan loved to teach. He taught high school physics for nearly 10 years in the Claremont School District, where he shared his love of science by helping students build an all-electric boat for the Solar Cup competition. He also brought his wonderful sense of humor to campus through an after-school improv group.

Ryan was not a religious man, but he held spiritual beliefs rooted in his scientific understanding of the universe. One such belief was the “many worlds” theory—that in the infiniteness of the cosmos, perhaps beyond black holes, there exist alternate parallel universes that mirror our own. We take comfort in imagining that, in those parallel universes, Ryan found the fulfillment he was constantly seeking, and that his brilliant mind is at rest.

Ryan is preceded in death by his two cherished Boston Terriers, Bugger and Hazel. Ryan is survived by his father, Matt; his mother, Susan; and his brother, Alex. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Seattle chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Your contribution may help someone facing the same challenges Ryan experienced.