RICHARD M. RYDE

Ryde, Richard M.
Of Cambridge, 89, passed away peacefully on January 4th surrounded by family. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Dick showed early interest and ability in mechanics and electronics, and if something could be repaired, he was usually able to do so. He earned a BS from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1947. After serving in the Navy, he traveled around the country working on radio and radar systems for Philco. He was a professional bass singer for a time in a renowned church choir in downtown Chicago. After working as an engineer for the local power company, he moved his young family to Puerto Rico in 1962. There he started and ran a company called EMSCO, which was involved in manufacturing, refrigeration, and marine troubleshooting. He enjoyed piloting his small Piper plane to and from various Carribbean islands for work projects. After retirement, he moved to Cambridge to be near his children and grandchildren, and was a kind presence in their lives. Dick is survived by his wife Jeanne (Bristow), and those he called his "descendants": his children Judy Ryde and Tom Ryde; their spouses Ron Mayville and Elizabeth Seabury; and his grandchildren Emma, Brett, and Quinn Mayville, and Hannah, Isabel, and Henry Ryde. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Keefe Funeral Homes
Cambridge & Arlington