Francis Paul Ryder

RYDER, Francis “Fran” Paul, age 92 of Plant City, Florida passed away on May 2, 2017. Fran was born on January 24, 1925 in Lawrence, Massachusetts to Steven A. Ryder and Josephine Brunelle Ryder. He moved to Athol, Massachusetts at a young age and lived there until 1975. He then moved to Shrewsbury and was a Laboratory Technician for his brother, Bob, until retiring in 1982 and moving to Plant City with his wife, Pauline.

Fran and Pauline had a fabulous life and would have celebrated 75 years of marriage in January of 2018. They built a home for their family of five children on Lake Ellis. Fran’s brother, Bob, made a painting of this home and played a major role in its construction. All five of the children have this painting in their homes today.

When construction of their lake home was complete, Fran got involved in the community. He was active in the Boy Scouts and as a Little League baseball couch. After assisting his children he decided to become more active at work as well and became The Chief Steward at the UTD. His experience as a Real Estate Broker led to his becoming a town assessor and serving the community for several years. Being someone who never tired, he accomplished all of this while consistently holding two jobs. Fran was in the US Army Air Corps and served in the Pacific Theatre. He was a proud Veteran of WWII and a longtime member of the VFW.

Fran was pre-deceased by his parents; his brother, Joseph; his daughter-in-law, Sally Adams Ryder; granddaughter, Tammy (Dave and Sally); and his grandson, Matthew (John). He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Pauline Blankenship Ryder; five children, Fran (Marilyn), David, Jean (Vinnie), Bob (Donna), and John. He also leaves behind his sister, Rita Ryder Parker, who turned 100 this past February, and his special brother and friend, Bob (Jenny). Additional survivors include his grandchildren, Kristin, Troy, Sean (Fran), Jason, Jennifer (Dave), Nicolle, Jackie (Jean), Andrew, Aaron (Bob), Christopher (John) and 13 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements are being handled by Wells Memorial and Event Center. Calling hours will be on Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 10am to 11am at the funeral home with a memorial service to begin at 11am. A reception for family and friends will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Melech Hospice House of Tampa, Florida.

Condolences may be made online at www.wellsmemorial.com.