John Garrett Ryan

1937 – 2025

John “Gary” Garrett Ryan, age 88, passed away peacefully at home on November 1, 2025, in Newport Beach, California. Born in Pasadena, California, to John R.T. Ryan II and Prudence Cassell Cluett, Gary lived a full and generous life grounded in faith, family, and his enduring love for the California lifestyle.

Gary attended The Webb School in Claremont, where he was named Athlete of the Year for his accomplishments in athletics. He later attended Claremont Men’s College, where he served as captain of the football team and was an active member of the ROTC. During his youth, he spent summers at the Orme Ranch in Arizona, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the West and the outdoors—memories he fondly cherished throughout his life.

After college, Gary proudly served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, stationed in Germany. Upon returning to the West Coast, he met the love of his life, Amy, married for 59 years, together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and friendship. Gary was a devoted husband and father who led by example—kind, genuine, and humble in spirit.

Gary was blessed with a distinguished career in real estate, first in property management and later in real estate investment. He worked with Coldwell Banker and Carlsberg Corp. before founding his own firm, where he built a respected reputation for his integrity, vision, and hard work.

Gary was deeply involved in his faith community throughout his life. He was an active member of Lake Avenue Congregational Church in Pasadena and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach. His faith guided his actions and belief in giving back. Gary gave generously to causes he felt close to his heart, including The Veterans, Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, and Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.

He loved spending time outdoors, playing golf, swimming in the ocean, and a well-made martini. Family trips were a highlight of his life—whether snow skiing, where the family was the first ones up the slope, or water skiing, where they were the first ones in the water. He also treasured the annual summer trips to the family farm in Illinois. Some of his greatest joys came from these adventures and from the close group of friends who remained a central part of his life until his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Amy, his children, John Ryan Jr. (Katie), James Ryan (Justin), and Katherine Zomerdyke (James), and his grandchildren, Brooke, Max, Riley and step-grandchild Ashley.

Gary will be remembered as a man of God whose warmth, generosity, and quiet strength left an enduring mark on all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, at Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park in Newport Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hoag Hospital in Gary’s name. https://give.hoag.org/s/give