Clayton Ryder

Clayton "Johnny" Ryder, 87, of Franzen Road, Richmondville, died Wednesday, July 9, at Cobleskill Regional Hospital. He had been ill for many weeks.
Clayton was born March 15, 1921 on the family farm in the town of Summit, the son of Burnett and Florence (Sperbeck) Ryder. He was a graduate of Richmondville Central School, Class of 1940, and a veteran of WW II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a flight mechanic on B-17, B-24, and B-29 heavy bombers. He was employed for six years in the Steam Turbine Department at General Electric in Schenectady, then spent several years working for local contractors before forming his own business as a plumbing, heating,and electrical contractor.
In retirement he enjoyed woodworking in his shop and was well known for replica models of historic local buildings, including several painstaking examples of the Dutch Barn at the Old Stone Fort, which he crafted for private customers. He was a lifelong avid outdoorsman and baseball fan. He was a founding and active member of the Richmondville Historical Society.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Alma M. (Rightmyer), two sons, James B. (Suzanne) of Lawyersville, NY and Richard M. (Barbara) of West Richmondville; three grandchildren: Jill Ryder, Brett Ryder and step-grandson Zachary Sherman; two sisters: Beatrice Godlewski of Schenectady and Agnes Riley of Port Richey, FL, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a son, Stephen Paul, two brothers: Duane and Daniel, and a sister, Marian Pacelli.
A memorial celebration of Clayton's life will be held on July 27 at the family homestead at the foot of Franzen Road, Richmondville between noon and 5 PM. Any and all friends, please stop by. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad.