John Joseph Horan

John Horan of Tampa, FL (formerly Port Washington, NY), a devoted family man known for his kind heart and contagious belly laugh, died peacefully on May 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving and heartbroken family.

John was born and raised in the Empire State. He enjoyed telling stories of his childhood on Long Island and cherished the summers he spent with his family in Hampton Bays. John was a proud and active alum of Saint Anthony’s High School, Manhattan College, and Fordham University for his MBA. John was a natural-born leader and served as captain of the football team in both high school and college. It is not surprising that John maintained friendships from all stages of his life; John was just that type of guy — he was a friend to all.

During his time at Manhattan College, John met Kate (Cathy) Ryan, who he was married to for 40 loving years. John enjoyed a successful career in finance — a path he paved for all three of his children. John’s job brought his family to Tampa in 1993 where they made friends that became family and enjoyed a wonderful 15 years until 2008, when John and Kate made their way back to New York. As if all the stars aligned, their three children also then settled in the tri-state area. One of John’s greatest joys was being with his family and the Horans went on to enjoy many family happy hours and pub crawls in NYC, Friday night pizza dinners, holidays at Plandome Country Club, and, of course, too many Jets games to count.

John was an eternal optimist. Almost nothing could get him down. He sought out the good in every situation and everyone. Try as they might, not even the New York Jets, Mets, or Islanders could break his spirit. John was loyal and loved nothing more than tailgating with family and friends. He approached each season just how he approached life: with optimism and excitement, no matter how bleak it may have looked following game one.

John loved music and almost always had it playing. His taste was eclectic and sometimes surprising. But at his core, John was a southern rock enthusiast and he sought out live music at even the most obscure Lower East Side establishments. John loved to kick back with a cold beer, smoke a cigar, and listen to music, and it was even more perfect if all three occurred after playing a round of golf.

John was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He put the needs and interests of all before his own. Even during his tough final days, John worried about the comfort of his visitors and always reminded them he was there to help however they might need. As his final act of kindness, John’s brain was donated to science in hopes of helping future generations.

John’s passing will leave a void in the hearts of all those who loved him. May we always remember John’s warm smile, selfless generosity, calm personality, and reassuring demeanor. In John’s honor, enjoy a beverage with your loved ones (a Jameson, ‘on the rocks,’ with a Bolivar cigar, if you dare), turn on some southern rock, and spend time with those you love the most.

John is predeceased by his beloved son, Timothy, and his in-laws, Joan and Bill Ryan. John is survived by his wife, Kate Horan; his daughter-in-law, Joanna Horan; his daughter Meghan Ahlersmeyer and her husband, Joe; his son William Horan and his wife, Alex; his three grandchildren, Emma Horan, Brighton Ahlersmeyer, and Vincent Horan; his parents, Mary Ann and Jack Horan; his siblings Liz Lavery (Rory), Mary Strong, Tom Horan (Mary), and Jen Krasco (Mike); Kate’s siblings Ellen Simmons (Bruce), Dan Ryan (Kathy), Ann Green, Neil Ryan (Kathy), and countless nieces and nephews.

John’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation from 10:00-11:00am, followed by a mass in John’s honor at 11:00am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa. A celebration of John’s life will be held following the services at American Social on Harbour Island from 12:30 - 3:00pm. We ask that family and friends attending the service please bring a favorite written memory or photo of John, and please wear the color of your choice.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family requests that you make a donation in his name to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration by clicking the link below.