I was so very sorry to hear the news that Mr. Ryal passed. I have such great memories of him at Franklin and especially of FLAPCO. He was an amazing teacher and made middle school fun. So much love to his family.

Michele Heysse Draghici
July 20, 2025

Linda, Ian, Meghan, and family- Such a sad loss. John (Mr. Ryal) provided an example for me during a time in my life (junior high school—ugh!) that was inspiring, artistic and comforting. I didn’t realize it then, but looking back, he was there as a marvelous guide. Thank you, John!

Steve Ginsberg
July 21, 2025

Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of your loss. Ron

Ron Malick
July 21, 2025

Dear Mrs Ryal, we are so sorry for your loss. It was always a great time for the kids to get to work with both of you on their school performances. The two of you together provided so much joy for our kids all of those years. All of our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Wendy Orr and family
July 21, 2025

Dear Mrs Ryal, we are so sorry for your loss. It was always a great time for the kids to get to work with both of you on their school performances. The two of you together provided so much joy for our kids all of those years. All of our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Wendy Orr and family
July 21, 2025

Linda, Ian, Meghan and all your families - our hearts are with you all. John was a 'larger-than-life' leader in so many ways but in particular we remember his leadership and creativity with middle school show choir. He had a special gift with that age group and somehow managed to turn a fair bit of laughter and talent into the energizing and popular FLAPCO. We're so hoping these memories bring smiles to you all, both now and in the future, as you live with such a sad loss. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.

Sue and Ron Olson
July 21, 2025

Dear Mrs. Ryal and family- I am so very sorry for your loss. I am thankful I had the opportunity to see Mr. Ryal perform, and can remember his booming speaking voice and laughter from swing choir competitions. Your family is in my prayers for comfort and peace.

Caralyn Caraway Japenga
July 21, 2025

Linda and Family, I was John's classmate [MHS Class of 1966 (not 1967)]. Although he was new to the school his senior year, he immediately gained the attention of his classmates...notably being elected senior class president and the athletics department having to special order a football helmet for him because they did not have one large enough. Being a music major myself, I truly appreciated his talent and fondly remember being part of the pit orchestra for his performance in Fiddler on the Roof (I was also in the pit when Linda was part of the cast in The Sound of Music). John was special and will be greatly missed.

Julie (Hahn) Hanson
July 22, 2025

Linda and family, so sorry for your loss He was a Great man! He will be missed!

Emmett Hodgins
July 23, 2025

I learned of John’s passing yesterday; it was a tough reality to accept. I worked with John for 7 years while I was assigned to Franklin. In time, I only referred to John as “Big”. The name fitted him. He was big in everything he did: big voice, big personality, big opinions, big heart, big ally. He had big expectations in his classroom and his music group FLAPCO was the best. I was privileged to experience his daughter and son whose musical accomplishments mimicked the talents of both their parents. “Big” made a huge impression on those who encountered him. He made a difference and what more could an educator want to accomplish? Farewell “Big”; you will be missed.

Tom van Deest
July 24, 2025

I learned of John’s passing yesterday; it was a tough reality to accept. I worked with John for 7 years while I was assigned to Franklin. In time, I only referred to John as “Big”. The name fitted him. He was big in everything he did: big voice, big personality, big opinions, big heart, big ally. He had big expectations in his classroom and his music group FLAPCO was the best. I was privileged to experience his daughter and son whose musical accomplishments mimicked the talents of both their parents. “Big” made a huge impression on those who encountered him. He made a difference and what more could an educator want to accomplish? Farewell “Big”; you will be missed.

Tom van Deest
July 24, 2025

Mrs. Ryal, (Sorry! Old habits are slow to lose), I was saddened to hear of John's death. I have such fond memories of a cast party with pizza in a little apartment on Wilson Ave. which is where I first met John. As a junior high student, he was always larger than life, his voice both booming and gentle at the same time. A good man! I will remember him at Mass on Sunday. Blessings, Fr. Carl Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Carl Mann
July 24, 2025

Linda, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We always enjoyed watching FLAPCO at competitions. You & John were an amazing musical couple, sharing your talents with many young people over the years as educators. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Prayers for peace from your Brooklyn neighbor, Connie Roudabush Byers

Connie Roudabush Byers
July 24, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He likely had only a fraction of the truth of how many lives he touched. I had Mr. Ryal as my music teacher at Franklin. When people ask about my music, I have to tell stories of John Ryal. Mr. Ryal beat rhythm on top of the upright piano with canes, which broke over the piano from time to time. You knew you'd better be good when. he pointed an end of the cane at you and said "Solo!" He had these funny phrases like "come-de-here-de-bitta" which meant "get over here now." He taught us to score music with found objects. I will never forget the time we came into class and he said, "I know what you are listening to..." and began signing "Close to You" sticking a finger into his cheek and being as overly cheerful as possible to poke fun at us. Then he said, "Now we will listen to some modern classical music." We all sighed. Then he put on this record that freaked out everyone in the class. It turns out it was ELP (Emerson. Lake, and Palmer) and that began my love of progressive rock. I tell these stories often, and when i am onstage playing piano live, or in interviews, these are stories I tell. He lives on in so many ways, and most assuredly in my music and in my heart. That is of course extended to you Linda, and to all of his family. So much love and gratitude sent, and continually sent to you all.

Kenton Knepper
July 31, 2025

Ryal Family i was saddened to hear of johns passing i was lucky enough to have him as a teacher and colleague. He set high expectations and watched his students reach them. John was truly a legend at Franklin

Eugene S. pinney
August 1, 2025