OBITUARY: Ryan Andrew Brewer, 25

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Ryan Andrew Brewer, born January 7, 2000, in Winchester, MA, left us far too soon on June 4, 2025, at the tender age of 25. While he may have moved on from this world, he leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love and loyalty that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

A die-hard Patriots fan, Ryan’s passion for football was infectious. If you ever found yourself in a conversation with him and his father, John, you quickly realized that football wasn’t just a sport to them—it was a religion. Many Sundays were spent at Gillette Stadium or home on the sofa, the father-son duo cheering their hearts out for the Pats. Those who had the pleasure of joining them knew the camaraderie and joy that surrounded every game day.

Ryan found his calling at an early age. He wasn’t one for sleeping at night so his parents would put on the cooking network for him to watch until he fell asleep. Thinking that this would not be interesting to him, they were very wrong. His whole life he loved to cook. He cooked for his family and for his friends. He got his first job making pizza at Tremezzo when he was just 14. He worked there for years until moving to Brightview Senior Living and working his way up to executive chef. Ryan loved the relationships he made with his coworkers, and with the elderly residents. He was proud to take care of them with his cooking.

During this time, Ryan was also a committed, dedicated substitute culinary instructor at Shawsheen Valley Regional High School. He took great pride in his work and teaching students, and it showed.

Ryan was the kind of person who made you feel seen, valued, and understood. He had an innate ability to brighten the darkest of days with his quick wit and warm smile. His family was his world, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

He is survived by his loving parents, John Andrew Brewer and Windy Marie Sweeney, who instilled in him a sense of kindness, sarcasm and strength. His siblings, Cameron Sweeney and wife Brianna, Sophie Brewer, Caleigh Sweeney, Dante DeAngelis, John Andrew Brewer Jr. and Milo Sweeney, each held a special place in his heart, and he in theirs. He is also survived by his loving Nana, many aunts and uncles, cousins, niece Sydney and nephew/godson Jace.

Ryan leaves so many friends that he loved spending time with. Whether it was playing hockey or basketball, or having scorpion bowls at Kowloon, he loved to laugh and make others laugh.

While Ryan’s life was tragically short, it was filled with moments that mattered. He was a constant support for anyone struggling, always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand. His compassion was boundless, and his spirit will forever inspire those who knew him to be kinder, more empathetic, and more present.

As we gather to remember Ryan, let us also remember mental health awareness is not just a recognition in May; it is a year-round struggle. Ryan believed deeply in supporting those in need, and he would urge us to do the same—not just for others, but for ourselves.

In honoring Ryan’s memory, let his legacy be one of love, support, and unyielding compassion.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Monday, June 9th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 10th at 11:00 a.m.

Ryan loved Shawsheen Tech, especially the culinary department.  In his memory, Ryan’s family would like to set up a scholarship for a culinary student.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to: Shawsheen Technical High School, “Ryan Brewer Scholarship” in the memo line. Donations can be mailed to Shawsheen Tech, Attn: Scholarships, 100 Cook Street, Billerica, MA 01821.

In addition, his family has set up a GoFund Me, which is located at: Ryan Brewer’s Memorial Fund.