Ryan Sullivan Shores

With profound sadness, we share the sudden passing of Ryan Sullivan Shores on March 12, 2025, after a brief illness. Ryan was born on November 16, 1985 in Newport Beach, California. He was the much loved only son of the late David William and Patricia (Piller) Shores. Ryan lost his mother when he was the tender age of seven and his father when he was seventeen. Despite these personal tragedies Ryan had a remarkable gift for bringing joy, laughter, and warmth to those around him. His quick wit and boundless creativity filled every room with laughter, making him a joy to be around, both on and off the stage.

Ryan treasured the time he spent with his mother, Patricia’s, family, especially the countless meals and gatherings filled with warmth, laughter, and shared memories. Ryan often spoke fondly of his childhood summers at the Jersey Shore, where he forged lifelong bonds with his East Coast cousins. These many experiences with his family remained a source of joy and comfort throughout his life.

In Ryan’s younger years, he excelled at wrestling and stage acting and these activities brought many of his oldest friends into his life. As an adult he pursued his lifelong passion for MMA fighting and proudly celebrated his many wins. His love for Halloween and all things horror was legendary; he reveled in the spooky and macabre and always shared his enthusiasm for it with others. Equally cherished were the evenings spent with friends, watching and critiquing old movies—a pastime that brought laughter and lively debate, further deepening the connection he shared with those closest to him.

A proud graduate of SDSU, Ryan was an actor, a musician, a talented writer, a key voice on a beloved podcast, and a stand-up comedian who truly lived and breathed the art of comedy. His passion for the stage was evident in every performance, where his humor and insight left an indelible mark on audiences across the country. Beyond his professional achievements, Ryan was known for his extraordinary compassion and generosity—he was always willing to go the extra mile for people. He opened his home to friends going through hard times, offering them a place to stay until they could get back on their feet. He also tirelessly stood up for female and LGBTQ comedians, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive community.

Ryan was surrounded by a circle of friends who loved and supported him throughout his life. Their unwavering friendship was a source of strength for him. Beyond his close-knit group, he built an enthusiastic online community where his humor, honesty, and empathy resonated with countless people. Even those who never met him in person felt a genuine connection to him, drawn in by his warmth and authenticity.

Ryan is deeply missed by his stepmother, Diane Kawata, his beloved dog, Rosemary, his aunts and uncles, his many cousins, and an extended family of cherished friends.

A private service will be held for family, with bi-coastal memorials and celebrations of his life to take place in San Diego and Pennsylvania at later dates. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring his compassionate spirit and love for his dogs Rufus and Rosemary, by making a donation to the San Diego Humane Society where he adopted his senior dog, Rosemary.

His kindness, infectious laughter, and generous spirit enriched the lives of everyone he encountered. Ryan’s light, humor, and love will remain in our hearts forever.