Paul Joseph Ryder

Paul Joseph Ryder
Paul Joseph Ryder, 80, of Coventry, CT, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2025 in the Veteran's Administration Hospital in West Haven. Born March 21, 1945, in New Haven, a son of the late John F. and Margaret E. Houlihan Ryder, he was a graduate of Hamden High School and also the University of New Haven and was employed as a salesman for many years with several different companies. Paul was a proud member of the US Army where he earned the rank of Sergeant serving with Battery A, 5th Battalion of the 16th Field Artillery Regiment, a unit famous for service with the 4th Infantry Division playing key roles in Vietnam. He was an active member of American Legion Post # 52 in Coventry. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and often made wooden toys for the children of relatives and friends and was an avid UConn basketball and football fan. Paul loved music and was gifted with a pleasant singing voice. He was generous to his family and friends, and he always met people with a warm smile and an open heart. Paul loved Coventry and the surrounding towns with their rolling hills, stone walls and beautiful homes. He is survived by his eight siblings and their spouses, John W. (Christina) Ryder of Waterford, William D. (Marie) Ryder of Wallingford, Rosemary Ryder (Alan) Golia of Westerly, RI, Kevin (Christine) Ryder of Hamden, Dennis (Peggy) Ryder of Durham, Marian Ryder (Joseph) Barbiero of Wallingford, Patrice Ryder (Richard) Crovo of Millersville, MD and Christopher (Lori) Ryder of Hamden. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 9th, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Interment with military honors will be at a later date in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. Calling hours at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden will be Friday morning prior to the funeral mass from 9:00-11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post # 52, PO Box 51, Coventry CT, 06238.