William A. Ryder

William Ryder was born on January 20, 1928 and was raised in Ossining, New York. In 1959 he moved to Croton-on-Hudson, a community he loves. He retired from NYNEX Business Information Systems in 1985 after 36 years of service.

William was elected to the Village Board of Trustees three times, serving six years in total - five of those years he was also the Deputy Mayor. As a Trustee he and his fellow Trustees promoted and implemented the Village Manager concept of local government. William was a Past President of the Westchester Village Officials Association and an associated advisor to the Westchester Community Fund. He also served as the first chairman of the Edwin Irving Johnson Scholarship Committee.

William Ryder has been active in Croton’s Recreation Department service as Vice Chairman of the Recreation Commission which was influential in the development of the Duck Pond ballfield/ playground complex Spencer Field and Chapel basketball court. Bill also served as a Chairman of the Croton Recreation Advisory Committee. He has been a Minor League manager, Little League coach and was one of the organizers of the Flag Football Program.

William was the President of Croton Historical Society and became a Trustee of the same organization. He was a recipient of the D.A.V. Commendation for Community Achievement and served briefly on the Westchester Transportation Committee. He was Chairman of Cub Pack 28 and served on the Commissioners staff of Washington Irving Council, Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4730 and was one of the original Eucharistic Ministers and Lecturers for Holy Name of Mary Parish. He had been a donor in the Croton Blood Bank since its inception and was an active blood bank aphresis (platelet) donor, donating in excess of 70 times.

Mr. Ryder has volunteered in access 4,000 hours at F.D.R. Veterans Hospital. He served in the Signal Corps during the Korean conflict.

William is survived by his children; Fidelis (Pete) Valdakis, Joan (Ray Allen) Ryder, Christopher (Sharon) Ryder, William (Kim) Ryder and Frederick (Kathy) Ryder. He is also survived by Nieces and Nephews, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild.

He was predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Fidelis Ryder. He was also predeceased by his siblings; Richard Riley, Catherine DeBernardinis (James), Barbara Elliot (Richard), Beverly Nelson (William) and Bertram "Hap" Ryder.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, April 6th from 4 to 8 PM at Edward F. Carter Funeral Home, 41 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. A service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, April 7th at 11 AM. Interment to follow at Bethel Cemetery, Old Post Road South, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.