Ryan Neal Massimo
February 1, 1975 ~ November 11, 2018
Ryan Neal Massimo, age 43, passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2018. He was born on February 1, 1975 in Bradenton, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, his college sweetheart, Courtney Massimo and two loving young sons, Logan and Brayden. Other survivors are his mother, Charlet Buckmaster and step-father William Buckmaster. Brother John Massimo and his wife Lily and their 4 children. His in-laws, Lawrence and Marlene Jurcich. Brother-in-law Chris Jurcich, his wife Lynn and their 4 children, Abby, Alex, Allison, and Ashlyn. Sister-in-law Lindsay Misbin and husband Kenneth and their children Zoey and Hailey.
Ryan was a 1993 graduate from Jordan High located in Durham, NC. He was recruited and played Division 1 baseball with the North Carolina State University and later transferred to East Carolina University where he continued being a leader and team captain on the baseball field. In 1998 he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and had the opportunity to play professional baseball with the Atlanta Braves Organization. He later worked as a strength and conditioning coach for the Cincinnati Reds and Duke University Athletics. He continued his career with the Marine Corps as the Combat Fitness Specialist and was the creator of the High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) Program which was implemented and became a mandated strength and conditioning program for the USMC and the foundation of their Force Fitness Division.
Ryan was an amazing husband and a devoted father. His love for his family and his passion for baseball will be greatly missed. Ryan dedicated many hours on the field and enjoyed coaching both his boys in baseball and basketball. He will always be remembered for his passion, knowledge and positive energy that he had for the “love of game” and for being an inspiring coach for many little leaguers especially his own, Logan and Brayden. Ryan was known for his big heart, known to put others first and his shining personality that could easily put a smile on your face. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.
A viewing will be held for Ryan at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, Nov.15th. The family will be there to greet relatives and friends. On Friday, Nov.16th we will have a mass for Ryan at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Chantilly, Va. starting at 1pm.
Following the mass, Ryan’s burial will be at Fairfax Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations for Logan’s and Brayden’s college funds would greatly be appreciated. Please send donations to the Massimo residence.
Ryan was a 1993 graduate from Jordan High located in Durham, NC. He was recruited and played Division 1 baseball with the North Carolina State University and later transferred to East Carolina University where he continued being a leader and team captain on the baseball field. In 1998 he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and had the opportunity to play professional baseball with the Atlanta Braves Organization. He later worked as a strength and conditioning coach for the Cincinnati Reds and Duke University Athletics. He continued his career with the Marine Corps as the Combat Fitness Specialist and was the creator of the High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) Program which was implemented and became a mandated strength and conditioning program for the USMC and the foundation of their Force Fitness Division.
Ryan was an amazing husband and a devoted father. His love for his family and his passion for baseball will be greatly missed. Ryan dedicated many hours on the field and enjoyed coaching both his boys in baseball and basketball. He will always be remembered for his passion, knowledge and positive energy that he had for the “love of game” and for being an inspiring coach for many little leaguers especially his own, Logan and Brayden. Ryan was known for his big heart, known to put others first and his shining personality that could easily put a smile on your face. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.
A viewing will be held for Ryan at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, Nov.15th. The family will be there to greet relatives and friends. On Friday, Nov.16th we will have a mass for Ryan at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Chantilly, Va. starting at 1pm.
Following the mass, Ryan’s burial will be at Fairfax Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations for Logan’s and Brayden’s college funds would greatly be appreciated. Please send donations to the Massimo residence.
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You’ll be loved and missed forever Ryan! Rest In Peace my brother. Love, John
Brother! It’s me, Action! I will never forget you, the times that we shared and your overwhelming positive attitude! I consider you one of my best friends. I so wish that I was closer right now, want to be there. You know that. You have changed my life and the life of many other Marines. You always put others first, trying to better everyone around you. Your motivation is second to none. Your inspiration can spark a forest fire! Your heart is bigger than the globe! You are one of the most humble person that I have ever met. I thank the Lord above for for putting you in my life. Even though we only knew each other for a mere six years, it felt like a lifetime. We accomplished some amazing things together. What you were able to accomplish in the Marine Corps in such a short time is astronomical! Your life and legacy will live on FOREVER through the HITT Program and those that knew you best. Rest easy brother, until we meet again! Just remember that I am undefeated in arm wreastling against you… I’ll give you a rematch! I may even let you win for once! Courtney and family, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies to you all and as promised I will be visiting you once I return to the states. Love to all!
Brother you will be missed……R.I.P. ???? Semper Fi
My Man! It’s “TOP”, as you referred to me for years. This tears me up inside to be writing this under these circumstances. Although I have told you many times “I LOVE YOU MAN”, I do not think I have ever told you why. Ryan, when we first met I had just returned from a 6 year tour in Japan and also many other combat tours. I was just over my 20 year mark in the Marine Corps; I was burnt out and ready to retire. After meeting you, you asked me to join you in rolling out the HITT program which you personally developed. After you told me why you put your heart and soul into this program, I was on board. You told me that you did not do it just because it was your job; you told me that you wanted to have an impact on our nations Warriors and ensure that when they went into battle they were combat ready. From that moment on, I had nothing but the highest admiration and respect for you. After spending the next few years with you traveling, training and watching your program grow into a Marine Corps wide combat fitness program, I could not have been more proud to be affiliated with you. You became one of my closest friends and mentors and although you were not a Marine, I always looked to you as one of our Brothers in Arms. Your drive, compassion, motivation and willingness to make a difference in everyone’s lives were evident. Ryan, I will truly miss your smile, that laugh, and how you brought so much energy, motivation and happiness into a room. Although I have never met Courtney, Logan and Brayden, you spoke of them often and I know that you loved them so very much. Courtney, my deepest sympathies go out to you, your family and friends. Ryan, until we meet again and I can see that smile and here that laugh, I will always treasure the time we have spent together. You will truly be missed. I love you Brother. Respectfully, Jon “Top” Lindquist
I remember Ryan as a toddler so many years ago. Even then his smile lit up the room. One time I babysat him and his older brother John and we made Christmas cookies. I still remember that smile with his hands in the air and red frosting all over them and that joyful smile! ♥️ You were and are a precious child of God Ryan. You left this world too soon and the world has lost a shining star. My sympathy and prayers are with all his family. You will be sorely missed. Aunt Barb (Buckmaster)
Thank you Ryan for always brightening my day at Semper Fit. May your family find solace in knowing that you were a friend to everyone you met and will be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry for your recent loss. My deepest condolences to your family. Death of a loved one is never easy to endure, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Continue looking to God and you will always find comfort in him (2 Cor 1:3,4). He will soon destroy the enemy of death (1 Cor 15:26), and He will soon return our loved ones to us through the resurrection (John 5:28,29). Please visit JW.org and search “When Someone You Love Dies”, it helped me through some difficult times and I hope you can find comfort in it also.
Coach, I remember the first time we met, the first T-ball game we coached together, watching our sons learn to love baseball, be good sports, live healthy lives, and be good citizens of the community. I have fond memories of those seasons (T Ball, Machine Pitch, Coach Pitch, Player Pitch) we were blessed to coach together- and our sons learned and played together. How can I thank you for your investment in my son’s young life and your investments in the boys of Centreville Virginia, the game of baseball, and the men and women of our Marine Corps. Joshua and I are very sorry to have missed your viewing and funeral mass. We will come by your graveside to pay our respects and pay a visit to Courtney and the boys when she is able to receive visitors. I pray for you, Courtney and the boys. May you reset in eternal peach my friend- coach. I hope to see you on the field again one day.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. McGuire, US Army. “Coach McGuire”