Ryan James McNamara

Ryan James McNamara, 45, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on July 8th, 2023. He was born April 26th, 1978 in Appleton, WI to Thomas and Sherri (Johnson) McNamara. He graduated in (1996) from the first graduating class of Appleton North High School and then University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in (2000) with a degree in Business Administration.

Ryan was well liked by anyone he met. He had the gift of lighting up a room whenever he entered it with his gentle humor and had that charm and wit that would bring a smile to anyone’s face. Ryan was an avid sports fan (maybe an understatement), he enjoyed everything about the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and the Milwaukee Brewers and any other sporting event you could think of. Ryan picked up fly fishing later in life and enjoyed his time fishing along any quiet stream or river, he enjoyed grilling and smoking meat for all to try and being generous with his spirit. Ryan could suggest places to visit or eat literally anywhere in the world.

“Big Red” or “Mackey” (as many called him) had the skill of remembering sporting statistics that would blow anyone’s mind along with his incredulous ability to quote any movie line from almost every movie he saw…which were many! The Big Lebowski might have been his favorite.

Ryan is survived by his loving and devoted Mother, Sherri McNamara, Sister, Meggin (Steve Horn) McNamara, Brother, Jon McNamara (Holly Calmes), and Niece and Nephew, Eva and Kaden Horn.

Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Thomas McNamara.

A Celebration of Ryan’s life will occur on Sunday, September 3rd,2023 from 1-3pm at the American Legion 3220 W. College Avenue, Appleton. It will be a party that Ryan would be proud of!