John Armstrong

John Seamus Armstrong was born on July 7, 1964, in Carlow, Ireland. He passed away on January 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Athy, Co. Kildare. Known affectionately by the nickname “Stretch”. John grew up in Chanterlands with his 4 siblings, Nuala, Blathnaid, Brian, and Caoimhín. He loved playing soccer and Gaelic football and had many friends that he stayed close with throughout his life.

John attended Dublin City University and after graduation received a scholarship to attend the University of Washington. Although he had never been to America before, John moved to Seattle in 1986 and received a master’s degree from UW. John made friends quickly in Seattle, friendships that lasted the rest of his life. He played Gaelic football with the Seattle Gaels football team and worked at Kells Irish Bar, where he made many friends who also grew up in Ireland. John worked for Seattle City Light for over 30 years. He remained close with many of his co-workers after he retired in 2023.

John met his wife, Diane, in 1999 at Murphy’s Pub in Seattle. They married in 2005 and have two beautiful children, Seamus and Fiona. The Armstrong Family lived in West Seattle and loved the community where the kids played sports, performed in musical theater, walks on Alki, and adventures in Lincoln Park. The Armstrong family traveled to Ireland often to see family, and Seamus and Fiona loved spending time with the many cousins there.

John loved to play golf. He was a member of Rainier Golf and Country Club for many years. He passed his love of golf to his son, Seamus, and some of his favorite memories are of them playing golf together.

In 2021, John was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma, kidney cancer, and fought a heroic battle against the disease. Over the 5+ years, 9 treatment lines, and 12 cancer drugs, he continued to live life to the fullest. He was a fighter until the very end, and an inspiration to all that knew him.

John is survived by his wife Diane, children Seamus, and Fiona. Siblings Nuala, Blathnaid, Brian and Caoimhín, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Seamus Armstrong and Florence Armstrong.

Funeral mass will be on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 am at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle with a celebration of life following the mass at Kiwi and Kangaroo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam