John L. Ryan

John L. Ryan, 72, passed away suddenly on May 30, 2013 in Fountain Hills, while doing what he loved -- golfing.

John was born in Harmon, Ill. He was the son of John and Gertrude Ryan. He attended Newman High School in Sterling, Ill., and was a graduate of St. Louis University School of Aviation.

Upon moving to Joliet, Ill., he met and married his wife of 51 years, Ginger Ryan. They had three sons, Robert (Lydia), Kenneth (Amy), and Todd (Christine) and a daughter Kelly Ryan.

They were blessed with nine grandchildren, which John was so proud of and loved and cherished beyond words. Ryan, Peyton and Max Jordan, Molly and Colton Ryan, Emma and Caite Ryan, and Ava and Brooks Ryan will miss “Papa” greatly but have many fond memories of him.

His 47-year career in the airline industry began as a mechanic for United Airlines and ended his career as VP of America West Airlines later to become US Airways. He travelled and lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Denver, L.A., Reno, Hawaii and settled in Fountain Hills in 2001.

John was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jim, Meg, and Kate. He is survived by his sisters, Mary McGinn, Kathy Ryan Denzin, Jane Zuniga, and five brothers, Patrick, Tom, Dan, Joe, and Richard Ryan.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m. at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 N. Saguaro Boulevard.