Joseph Alfons Ryder

Joseph Alfons Ryder, of Roanoke, Virginia, died at home on Sunday, January 17, 2010. He was born on August 8, 1922 in North Haven, New York, a son of the late Alfons and Kamila Ryder. He was a graduate of Pierson High School, Sag Harbor, New York, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theater. He retired in 1985 following a lifelong career as a metallurgical engineer with General Electric in Schenectady, New York and Salem, Virginia. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Stephanie Danowski of Riverhead, New York, Nell Marciniak of East Hampton, New York; and his brothers, Anthony Ryder of Massilon, Ohio, Stanley Ryder of North Haven, New York. He is survived by his wife, Jeane Devins Ryder; two daughters and one son-in-law, Elizabeth Ryder of Roanoke, Rebecca Ryder and Gordon Hogg of Lexington, Kentucky; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Joseph Ryder, Jr. and friend, Brenda Hayes of Newport, Virginia, Gregory and Adrienne Ryder of Blacksburg, Virginia, Thomas and Jacqueline Ryder of Roanoke, Virginia; eight grandchildren, Jesse Dukes of Charlottesville, Virginia, Joseph III, Amy, and Holly Ryder of Newport, Virginia, Andrew and Jeane Marie Ryder of Blacksburg, Virginia, Samuel and Callan Ryder of Roanoke, Virginia; one great-granddaughter, Makaya Hagan of Newport, Virginia; and his sister, Jean Melton of North Haven, New York. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at Oakey's East Chapel with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's East Chapel, 540-977-3909.