Clarke E. "Ted" Ryder, Jr.

59, went to be with the Lord, his trusted Savior, on August 29, 2024. After a six-year struggle with cancer he passed away at RI Hospital, loving family at his side.

Born in Evanston, IL on December 1, 1964, he was a son of Clarke E. Ryder and Judith (Fall) Ryder. He was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Merle C. and Alice B. Ryder, and Joseph H. Fall III and Alice F. Fall.

Clarke was the beloved husband of Thanly (Tham) Ryder. Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by his loving sons, Vinara Hang (Katherine), Jonathan Hang (fiancee Rotmene Put); cherished grandchildren Azure, Titus, Aurora, and River Hang, the apples of his eye; dear siblings Elisabeth M. Ryder, Susan E. Giordano (Ernest), John F. Ryder (Sheryl), and Alice R. Taylor (Rev. Jonathan); nieces and nephews Margaret, William, and Caroline Giordano; Clarke F., Kate, and Molly Ryder; Dr. Jonathan, Jacob, Charles, and Hudson Taylor.

He was a graduate of Dublin Christian Academy, Dublin, NH and Grove City College, Grove City, PA, earning a B. A. in Economics. He spent thirty years in the transportation business.

Clarke enjoyed adventurous activities such as skiing, rock climbing, ice-climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, target shooting, tree climbing, and sailing. He had wide-ranging interests including training to be an EMT, serving as the youngest-in-RI Chief of the volunteer Potterville Fire Department, educating himself in health-related subjects, and fixing anything mechanical. He was a prolific reader of history, loved classical and jazz music, and spent many hours in the branches of the tallest trees, trimming, cutting, pruning, and taking care of them. 

A true family man who especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, he will be well remembered as an extremely generous, kind, and selfless individual who was known for lending a hand to family, neighbors, and friends, helping wherever needed with no thought of remuneration.

Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Trinity Assembly of God Church, 2119 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI. Burial will take place in New Rockland Cemetery, Clayville, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Christian Academy, 2119 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.