Ryder A. Scelza

Ryder Alfred Scelza, 21 of Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025 in his mother’s arms and with his brother by his side. Born in Hartford on April 29, 2004, he was the beloved son of Linda Scelza. Ryder was diagnosed with glioblastoma in March of 2022 and was determined to graduate in June with his brother by his side.

Over the past 40 months, Ryder fought endlessly. Throughout it all, his main concern was continuing to fight for his mother and the rest of his family. Even in his darkest hours, his thoughts were never about himself, but about the well-being of his family.

Ryder enjoyed EVERYTHING Taylor swift-her music helped him get through every day. He also enjoyed the ocean, sketching in his notebook, day trips, traveling on our big family vacations and traveling with his mother and brother on various vacations to different parts of the world collecting seashells.

He is survived by his mother, Linda C. Scelza; his identical twin brother, Reno; his sister, Alyssa and his beloved niece, Lucianna Scelza, who was the light of his life. He shared a deep and unbreakable bond with each of his cousins: Ralph, Sadie, Lily, Rachael, Brooke, MJ, Jaeden, Nicole, Gianna, Laura, Tyzae, Jovanni, Krista, Chloe, Little Al and Little Michael, as well as Kim, Bryan and Vinny. Ryder was also close to his Aunt Bubble, and his uncles, Donnie and Al Scelza. He is also survived by his father, Robert Useted and family of North Salem, New York. His love for his family was boundless, and each relationship he had was treasured.

Ryder was predeceased by his loving grandparents, Alfred A. Scelza and Rita R. Scelza of Wethersfield and Charles and Rosalie Useted of North Salem, New York.

We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Jackie John Lori and Raquel of Beacon Hospice, as well as the staff at Gaylord Hospital, especially Marc Zgorski and the loving and caring staff at Cobalt rehabilitation center, and Dr. Jennifer Molenterno and Dr. V of Yale New Haven.

Ryder will be remembered for his courage, his selflessness and his ability to make others feel valued and loved. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The Celebration of Life Service for Ryder will be Friday, August 15 at 10 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ryder’s memory may be made to the GoFundMe started in his honor (https://gofund.me/616f29c1) or to a cancer-related charity.