Paul R. Ryder

"Nobody or nothing else was like Paul Ryder." David Gardiner

Paul Ryder, a longtime resident of Stoneham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, at the age of 71 following a brief but devastating lung disease. He was surrounded by his dear family. Paul was married to the love of his life, Sheila, for 45 years. He was the proud and loving father to his two children, Alex and John. Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, he was the younger son of John and Peg Ryder. Paul was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Sheila; his daughter Alexandra Ryder and husband, Adam Carver of Deerfield, New Hampshire; his son John Ryder of Stoneham; his brother Alan Ryder (Nancy d.) of Cranston, Rhode Island; sisters-in-law Paula Whitesides (Walt) and Donna Mazzone (Elmo) as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins and wonderful friends.

Paul embraced life and played hard, established life-long friendships where ever he went. He called Rhode Island, Stoneham and Cambridge home. We knew him as a sentimental guy who retold stories of childhood baseball games, high school athletic feats, URI escapades, holiday card games and victories on golf courses nation-wide (most notably the Member/Guest championship in August 2023 at Cape Neddick Golf course).

Paul was still closely connected with friends from Wyman Elementary School and Pilgrim High School. Paul went off to college at URI in 1970, with an eye on physical education and doing some good in the world. He met Phi Mu Delta brothers there and maintains those dear friendships to this day. After college, Paul taught in RI and Massachusetts before becoming Director of the newly refurbished Bird Street Community Center in Dorchester.

In 1982, he moved on to the City of Cambridge to serve as the Director of Recreation in the Department of Human Services Programs while not knowing single person in Cambridge. When he retired in 2016, he may have known every person in Cambridge. It was a perfect match for his idealism and enthusiasm. The city, the position and the people captured his heart. He guided construction and renovations of parks and athletic spaces and created recreation and social programs to enrich the lives of all Cambridge citizens. The Cambridge Program, The City Run, Jazz at Danehy, Fresh Pond Golf Course, Danehy Park , West Cambridge Youth Center, Old Timers Baseball Game and DePasquale Universal Design Playground all have his mark.

He was equally active in his community of Stoneham - a vocal coach in youth sports and most recently a member of the Stoneham School Building Committee. He loved his local golf league. He served on the Board for 10 years and also as Board Chair of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Paul worked with CHAMPSBoston and Robert Lewis Jr. to establish training programs for youth coaches and was recognized by The Boston Foundation as a "Changemaker of the Year" in 2012. He proudly received many honors and recognitions throughout his career.

Running was a wonderful part of Paul's life, perhaps from the early days when he would run home for lunch from Wyman Elementary School. He ran a 4.24 minute mile in high school and, as co-captain of the Pilgrim High School track team, led the team to its first state championship. In 1989, he ran the Falmouth Road Race in honor of dear Alex. He organized countless road races throughout the years, hollering out directives to his colleagues, and enjoyed being there at the end to make sure the runners were comfortable at the finish line. He loved the VIP tent at The Boston Marathon and the Cambridge Classic Races, especially when John joined him in the works.

Fun, Friendship and Family were his creed. He loved and was loved beyond measure. Long may you run, Paulie.

Please join Paul's family in a Celebration of Life

Thursday March 7, 2024 12:00-4:00PM

Bear Hill Golf Club, 2 North Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

The Cambridge Program https://www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP/Recreation/specialneeds, c/o Janice Alger/DHSP- City of Cambridge, 51 Inman St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Nicholas Shannon Memorial Fund, 16 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180