GREENVILLE JUNCTION – John A. Ryder, 74, died Jan. 7, 2011, at C.A. Dean Hospital, Greenville. He was born Dec. 25, 1936, in Greenville, son of Edwin and Faustena (Knight) Ryder. John worked for Great Northern Paper Co. as a telephone lineman and woods clerk. He later worked as a consultant for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and also as development manager for J.M. Huber Corp. In his later years he worked as foreman for Greenville Highway Department. John was active in civic affairs, serving as a Greenville selectman and director for Moosehead Riders. He was a life member of Explorer Boy Scouts and in 1971 was included in the book, “Outstanding Young Men of America.” He was a 50-year member of Columbia Doric Masonic Lodge, Greenville, and member of Anah Shrine, Bangor. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Whitten) Ryder of Greenville Junction; three sons, Steven Ryder and his wife, Katherine, of Shirley, David Ryder of Glenburn and John Ryder II of Newburgh; a daughter, Nancy Ryder and Mark Gordon of East Dixfield; seven grandchildren, Jessie, Amanda, Erick, Jordan, Allison, Elisabeth and Kendra; great-grandchildren, Allyson, Reily, Parker, Craig, Sadie and Alivia; two brothers and their wives, Ralph and Dorothy Ryder of Veazie and Mahlon and Deana Ryder of Greenville; three sisters-in-law, Mary Ryder and Betty Ryder of Greenville and Melanie Huff of Monson. He was predeceased by three children, Brian, Kendall and Craig; three brothers, Charles, Edwin and Howard; and two sisters, Virginia and Frances. A Masonic memorial service will be held 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Greenville Chapel of Crosby & Neal, located at the Masonic Building, Greenville. Friends may call 11 a.m. until the time of service at the chapel. Spring burial will be at Greenville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to C.A. Dean Hospital, P.O. Box 1129, Greenville, ME 04441 or Columbia Doric Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 141, Greenville Junction, ME 04442. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Greenville. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.
JOHN A. RYDER
