West Boylston-John J. “Jack” Ryder, Sr., 77, formerly of Worcester, died Monday, February 14th in UMass Memorial Hospital after a short illness. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Theresa J. (Jeznach) Ryder, 2 sons, John J. Ryder, Jr. and his wife Karen and Michael F. Ryder and his wife Deborah, all of W.Boylston, 3 daughters, Mary A., wife of Don Lamberto of W.Boylston, Eileen T., wife of Roy Potvin of Worcester and Kathleen M., wife of Sean Wall of W.Boylston, 20 grandchildren, Katie, Kelly, Lori and Megan Lamberto, Thomas, Erin and Elizabeth Potvin, Sean, Colleen and Brian Ryder, Kristine, Patrick, Michael, Brendan, Jack and Bridget Wall, Kaleigh, Kevin, Courtney and Daniel Ryder, a brother Daniel Ryder and his wife Dorothy of Oxford, several nephews and nieces.
He was born in Worcester the son of Thomas J. and Mary A. (Murphy) Ryder and lived most of his life on Vernon Hill. He was a graduate of Commerce High School where he was an All-City athlete and was an Army veteran of World War II. Mr. Ryder was a retired Worcester Police Officer, where he proudly served for 40 years. He was a member of the Worcester Police Relief Association, Worcester Police & Firefighter’s Retirement Association, Knight’s of Columbus Alhambra Council 88, Massachusetts Police Association, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and its Men’s Club, where he also served as an active volunteer for the annual Bishop’s Fund Drive and the Passionist Retreat League at Calvary Retreat Center. Jack was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and he loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed sports throughout his life.
The funeral is Friday, February 18th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 600 Cambridge Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, February 17th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. Contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 596 Cambridge Street, Worcester, MA 01603.