Senate Resolution No. 765
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of William Ryder, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, William Ryder of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, died on April
2, 2025, at the age of 97; and
WHEREAS, William Ryder was born on January 20, 1928, and was raised
in Ossining, New York; and
WHEREAS, Having served in the Signal Corps during the Korean
conflict, William Ryder moved to Croton-on-Hudson, a community he loved,
in 1959; and
WHEREAS, William Ryder distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After 36 years working for NYNEX Business Information
Systems, William Ryder retired in 1985; and
WHEREAS, William Ryder's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Embracing a tremendous desire to make a difference, William
Ryder dedicated his time and energies serving his community; he was
elected to the Village Board of Trustees three times, serving six years
in total, five of those years he also served as the Deputy Mayor; and
WHEREAS, William Ryder was president of the Westchester Village
Officials Association, an associated advisor to the Westchester
Community Fund, president of Croton Historical Society, and the first
chairman of the Edwin Irving Johnson Scholarship Committee; and
WHEREAS, Wishing to be an active member of the community he loved,
William Ryder has been active in many civic groups including: Croton's
Recreation Department as Vice Chairman of the Recreation Commission, a
member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4730, a Minor League manager,
Little League coach, one of the organizers of the Flag Football Program,
Chairman of Cub Pack 28, and he served on the Commissioners staff of
Washington Irving Council, Boy Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS, Always giving back, William Ryder volunteered in excess of
4,000 hours at F.D.R. Veterans Hospital, was one of the original
Eucharistic Ministers and Lecturers for Holy Name of Mary Parish, and
had been a donor in the Croton Blood Bank, donating in excess of 70
times; and
WHEREAS, For his dedication to improving the lives of those around
him, William Ryder received the Disabled American Veterans Commendation
for Community Achievement; and
WHEREAS, William Ryder was predeceased by his wife of 73 years,
Fidelis Ryder and is survived by his children; Fidelis Valdakis, Joan
Ryder, Christopher Ryder, William Ryder and Frederick Ryder; nieces and
nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great-great
grandchild; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William Ryder leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of William Ryder, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William Ryder.
