John Russell Pryall, 69, of Albany, NY, transitioned into eternal life peacefully at home with loved ones, on Monday, January 3, 2022. Born on November 2, 1952 in Mineola, NY, he was the youngest son of loving parents Moira Russell Dold Pryall and John Patrick Pryall.
Outside of being the absolute best, most devoted father and Pop Pop to his beloved girls and grandchildren, he is an enigma. A private and proud man, who much preferred the days of landlines and encyclopedias over the Google era.
Aside from being incredibly intelligent and insanely handsome, John had incredible taste in music, and was excellent at playing the piano. Growing up, he gave piano lessons to his nieces, & enjoyed playing with his daughters and granddaughters. He loved the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, to name a few. An avid rock and roll fan growing up on Long Island, Woodstock was a favorite memory he was eager to talk about.
John's proudest accomplishment was being a devoted Daddy to his two daughters, and Pop Pop to his grandchildren. He was a brilliant teacher, and the first person we would go to for help with homework. In the 90's, he was our Siri. Any questions we had about anything, we knew Dad would have the right answer or perfect advice. A firm believer that chocolate milk and a long walk can cure just about any ailment, as kids we bestowed upon him the title of Dr. Daddy Stinky Poops. (Stinky and Poops being our respective nicknames from him. They are not adjectives describing him, to clarify.)
When John became a grandparent to his oldest granddaughter, Nevaeh, he instantly fell in love with his role as Pop Pop. They were the dynamic duo, and were constantly spotted around town together on all sorts of adventures; riding bikes, at the park, getting some ice cream, you name it. She had him wrapped around her little finger, as we once did. Being a Pop Pop to all 3 of his grandchildren made him beam with pride.
John is survived by his 3 children; Jeremy John Tanico of Henderson, NV, Danielle Pryall (Sam Spadaro) of Albany, NY, Ashley Pryall of Albany, NY; sisters Leonie Nordin and Claudine McSweeney; 3 grandchildren Nevaeh Pryall, Violet Pryall and Samuel John Spadaro; and several nieces.
A celebration of John's life will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, beginning at 10:00 am, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie, NY 12205.