John Michael Rys Jr, 81, of West Springfield, MA, passed away after a brief fight with cancer. John was born on May 25, 1943 to the late John Michael Rys, Sr, and Mary T (Skiba) Rys Albano. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brother Richard Joseph Rys, his sister Kathleen (Rys) Wozniak and his son, Richard John Rys.  John is survived by his ex-wife, Phyllis (Sypek), daughter, Lori Rys Moore of Feeding Hills, MA, son, James Michael Rys (Monique Delossantos) of Sugar Land, TX, grandchildren, Shane, Alec, Shelby, Seth (Bielinski), Rachel, Ethan, John James and Avery and one great grandchild, Cecylia and many nieces and nephews.

John served honorably in the Navy during the Vietnam era as a torpedo man with top secret clearance.

John spent a good part of his life in Houston, Texas and considered himself a Texan until his final breathe.  John was a master carpenter and owned his own business for many years. He restored many historical homes in Galveston and the surrounding area. He taught both of his sons the trade and they went on to become successful carpenters. John was also an avid gardener always willing to share his tips, enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years and was always willing to share a drink or a doobie with you. He always would tell those he loved who loves you more than me.

Calling Hours will be March 4 from 11 to 1 PM with a Prayer Service at 1 PM at Curran and Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main St., West Springfield followed by Military Honors at the Agawam Veterans Cemetery at 2 pm.