Michael G. Rider

Michael G. Rider, 83, of Woodcliff Lake passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026.

Mike was born in Warwick, NY to William Edwin Rider and Mary Agnes Rider (nee Ryan). He was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Sandra Rider (nee Stone), and his sister, Elizabeth Smith, of Conyers, GA. Mike was the devoted father to his son, Christopher Rider, and his wife Jessica of Madrid, Spain and his daughter, Kerry Nicolich, and her husband Kenneth of Ridgewood, NJ. He was the loving grandfather to Michael Henni and his wife Janine, Jessica Nicolich, and Addison, Ryan, and Emma Rider. He was cherished by his relatives in Warwick, NY, especially Mary Beth Kaczmar, as well as his niece and nephew Mychaelyn and Christian in Conyers, GA.

Mike earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, a law degree from Fordham Law School, and an MBA from NYU. He proudly served as a naval officer during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Mike built a successful career and, prior to his retirement, worked for many years at IBM.

In 1968 he married a girl from California, Sandra, and the two of them began their adventure together. They bought their first home in Spring Valley, NY, the town where Mike was raised. In 1976, they moved to Woodcliff Lake, NJ where he lived for 50 years. They built a family and a life together in that home; and that is where he took care of Sandra with love and honor during a prolonged illness before her passing.

In 1994, Mike, AKA Dampa, became a proud grandfather for the first time. As his family grew, Dampa made a point to attend shows, games, and graduations of all of his grandchildren throughout their lives. He was there, and he was the greatest Dampa there ever was.

Mike was the anchor to his family and many friends. He shared his gifts of kindness and grace with the world by providing comfort in troubled times, and celebrating achievements in happy times. Especially for those in need, he provided an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on, or a ride somewhere, or friend to sit with, or thoughtful advice based in wisdom and understanding. He was there without fail. He baked pies and quiches made to order for people he loved. Apple pie was his specialty. He was an avid reader, and on a "glorious day" he could usually be found in his back yard reading a book or the newspaper with his little dog, Maverick, by his side. Dampa surrounded himself with creatures throughout his life and was many a dog's "favorite person." He was one of the good ones, and a blessing to all who will dearly miss him. May he rest in everlasting peace.

Visiting Sunday, March 8, 2026 1:00 – 5:00 PM at Feeney Funeral Home, Ridgewood. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Mother of the Church, Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ.