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.