John D. Lium, age 80, of Rye, departed this life on March 7, 2026, after facing a long illness with grace and courage.
Born on May 2, 1945, to Edith and Hans Lium, John grew up in the Bronx, N.Y. He graduated from Cardinal Farley Military Academy in 1963 before attending the University of Notre Dame on an athletic scholarship. There, John played football under legendary coach Ara Parseghian, was a member of the 1966 national championship team, and graduated in 1967. His athletic career continued with a stint on the New York Giants practice squad.
Following his time in football, John earned his law degree from St. John’s University, which led to a successful career in real estate law. An accomplished entrepreneur, he owned and managed various commercial and residential properties throughout his life. John’s dynamic personality and diverse interests also brought him into the entertainment and hospitality industries. He was a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild, starring in several commercials, and was the purveyor of multiple establishments, including a popular disco in Greenwich, Conn.
In 1999, surviving a sudden cardiac arrest inspired John to establish the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Research Foundation, dedicating himself to expanding research and awareness of the disease.
John will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his cherished son, John, and daughter-in-law, Ola; his devoted sister, Carole Edelman; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be remembered as a kind, brave, and generous giant.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Graham Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greenwich, Conn.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Research Foundation, Inc., PO Box 690, Rye, New York 10580.
