TEWKSBURY: Milton E. “Gene” Ryder, age 79, a resident of Tewksbury for 58 years, died Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at Saints Medical Center in Lowell.
He was the husband of Elizabeth E. (Brazee) Ryder, with whom he celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on September 3rd.
Born in Stoneham, on July 19, 1928, he was the son of the late Raymond and Hannah (Kennedy) Ryder.
Mr. Ryder was raised in Wilmington and attended Wilmington schools.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a union finish carpenter by Local # 26 of Wilmington.
In earlier years, he founded and operated the Ryder Construction Company of Tewksbury and the Tewksbury Modernization Company.
Mr. Ryder was a member of the Tewksbury United Methodist Church.
According to his family, even during his retirement years, he continued his lifelong passion for carpentry and took tremendous pride in his skill.
Mr. Ryder enjoyed numerous activities including; fishing, gardening, taking drives with his family exploring the countryside and vacationing at the family cottage in Wilmot, NH.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Pamela J. Goody and her husband Bruce of Needham, Wayne E. Ryder and his wife Cynthia of Tewksbury and Brian D. Ryder and his wife Catherine of Westford; five grandchildren, Laura and Max Goody both of Needham, John Ryder and his fiancé Lisbeth Sawyer of Tewksbury, Brianna and Tia Ryder both of Westford; one great grandson, Jared Ryder of Tewksbury; one brother, Conrad Ryder of Wilmington; one sister, Muriel I. Toomey of Delaware; also many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours Saturday, Dec. 22nd, 12- 1 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury, immediately followed by funeral services to be held at the funeral home. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you take a friend to breakfast.