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Born on January 20, 1928, and raised in Ossining, Ryder, who died on Wednesday, April 2, moved to Croton-on-Hudson in 1959—a community he came to love deeply and served tirelessly for decades, according to his obituary.
Ryder was elected three times to the Village Board of Trustees, serving from 1969 to 1975. He held the position of Deputy Mayor for five of those years and played a pivotal role in implementing the Village Manager concept of local government. His contributions extended beyond Croton, serving as Past President of the Westchester Village Officials Association and as an advisor to the Westchester Community Fund.
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson, in a public statement, extended its condolences to the Ryder family and noted one of Ryder’s lasting contributions: the donation of an autographed Norman Rockwell painting, Freedom of Speech, which hangs in the Georgianna Grant Meeting Room at Village Hall.
Ryder’s impact was felt across many parts of village life. He was a driving force in the development of local recreation spaces, serving as Vice Chairman of the Recreation Commission and Chairman of the Recreation Advisory Committee. His efforts helped bring about the Duck Pond ballfield and playground complex, Spencer Field, and the Chapel basketball court, according to his obituary.
He was also a youth sports coach, founder of the Flag Football Program, and an advocate for young people in the community through his work with the Boy Scouts and the Edwin Irving Johnson Scholarship Committee.
Beyond government and recreation, Ryder served as President and later Trustee of the Croton Historical Society, was an active parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at Holy Name of Mary Parish, and a longtime platelet donor with the Croton Blood Bank.
His service extended to veterans, as he volunteered more than 4,000 hours at F.D.R. Veterans Hospital. He also served in the Signal Corps during the Korean conflict.
Ryder retired in 1985 from NYNEX Business Information Systems after 36 years of service.
He is survived by his children: Fidelis (Pete) Valdakis, Joan (Ray Allen) Ryder, Christopher (Sharon) Ryder, William (Kim) Ryder, and Frederick (Kathy) Ryder, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
He was predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Fidelis Ryder, and by siblings Richard Riley, Catherine DeBernardinis, Barbara Elliot, Beverly Nelson, and Bertram "Hap" Ryder.
Click here to read Ryder's full obituary.
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