January 23, 2025
Kenneth Ryder, Jr., 84 of Felton, DE passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2024 at the Delaware Hospice Center surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Helen Nielsen and Kenneth Ryder, Sr.
Ken was a 1958 graduate of Felton High School, he then entered the US Navy where he was assigned to the USS John R. Pierce. Following his time in the Navy, Ken spent 39 years as an insurance agent.
Ken had a very long service record with the Felton Fire Company joining in April 1969, and then sworn in as fire police 2/1/16. He held the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, BOD, Fund Drive Chair, and was instrumental in obtaining grants especially procuring 48-3 on a federal grant. He obtained his 50-year status in 2019, and was the 2013 Fireman of the year. Ken was also a fire policeman for the Frederica Volunteer Fire Co. from 2018-2025. He was a member and officer of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, serving as President 2022-2023; and was a Commissioner of the Delaware State Fire Commission 2023-2024. He was named the Delaware State Fire Policeman of the Year in 2020. Ken was known for his steadfast leadership, hands-on approach, and tireless work ethic. He inspired countless firefighters, earning their trust and respect through his actions as well as his words.
When he wasn’t involved in the fire services, Ken was active with the Murderkill Lions Club and received the Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow award; the Felton Alumni Association; First State Antique Tractor Club; Tin Can Soldier Association; and the Frederica Senior Center where he served in 2024 on the executive board as the 1st Vice President.
Ken was very health conscious, and enjoyed walking, but was known to skip carbs so he could eat dessert. He especially loved ice cream and was pivotal in getting the Felton Fire Co. Ice Cream Stand started. When he was younger, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, clamming and collecting Hess trucks. He enjoyed history, especially that of the Civil War Era. He never missed an event with his grandkids and was a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by his sister, Joan Bartsch, and stepson J. Wesley Withrow.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Joanna Ryder; children, Abigail Hansen (Michael), Clifton Porter (Megan), John Kenneth Ryder (Suzette), Michele Algire (Ed),and Terri Kessel; grandchildren, Alex Hubbard (Dave), Nicholas Kessel, Sydney Ryder, Destiny Hansen, Lilyana Porter, Alexis Hansen, Rhett Hansen, Dominic Porter, Calliope Porter; and his former wife, BJ Ryder.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations to one of the following: Felton Fire Company, P.O Box 946, Felton DE 19943; Frederica Volunteer Fire Co., 6 Front St., Frederica DE 19946; Frederica Senior Center 216 S. Market St., Frederica DE 19946.
A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Thomas E. Melvin & Son, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE at 11 AM. A visitation will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 4 - 6 PM. Interment will take place at Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica
Arrangements have been entrusted the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, Inc, Harrington, DE.
https://www.melvinfuneralhome.com/obituary/Kenneth-RyderJr
January 23, 2025
Kenneth Ryder, Jr., 84 of Felton, DE passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2024 at the Delaware Hospice Center surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Helen Nielsen and Kenneth Ryder, Sr.
Ken was a 1958 graduate of Felton High School, he then entered the US Navy where he was assigned to the USS John R. Pierce. Following his time in the Navy, Ken spent 39 years as an insurance agent.
Ken had a very long service record with the Felton Fire Company joining in April 1969, and then sworn in as fire police 2/1/16. He held the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, BOD, Fund Drive Chair, and was instrumental in obtaining grants especially procuring 48-3 on a federal grant. He obtained his 50-year status in 2019, and was the 2013 Fireman of the year. Ken was also a fire policeman for the Frederica Volunteer Fire Co. from 2018-2025. He was a member and officer of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, serving as President 2022-2023; and was a Commissioner of the Delaware State Fire Commission 2023-2024. He was named the Delaware State Fire Policeman of the Year in 2020. Ken was known for his steadfast leadership, hands-on approach, and tireless work ethic. He inspired countless firefighters, earning their trust and respect through his actions as well as his words.
When he wasn’t involved in the fire services, Ken was active with the Murderkill Lions Club and received the Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow award; the Felton Alumni Association; First State Antique Tractor Club; Tin Can Soldier Association; and the Frederica Senior Center where he served in 2024 on the executive board as the 1st Vice President.
Ken was very health conscious, and enjoyed walking, but was known to skip carbs so he could eat dessert. He especially loved ice cream and was pivotal in getting the Felton Fire Co. Ice Cream Stand started. When he was younger, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, clamming and collecting Hess trucks. He enjoyed history, especially that of the Civil War Era. He never missed an event with his grandkids and was a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by his sister, Joan Bartsch, and stepson J. Wesley Withrow.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Joanna Ryder; children, Abigail Hansen (Michael), Clifton Porter (Megan), John Kenneth Ryder (Suzette), Michele Algire (Ed),and Terri Kessel; grandchildren, Alex Hubbard (Dave), Nicholas Kessel, Sydney Ryder, Destiny Hansen, Lilyana Porter, Alexis Hansen, Rhett Hansen, Dominic Porter, Calliope Porter; and his former wife, BJ Ryder.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations to one of the following: Felton Fire Company, P.O Box 946, Felton DE 19943; Frederica Volunteer Fire Co., 6 Front St., Frederica DE 19946; Frederica Senior Center 216 S. Market St., Frederica DE 19946.
A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Thomas E. Melvin & Son, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE at 11 AM. A visitation will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 4 - 6 PM. Interment will take place at Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica
Arrangements have been entrusted the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, Inc, Harrington, DE.
https://www.melvinfuneralhome.com/obituary/Kenneth-RyderJr
Wed, Feb 05, 2025 02:56
Medical Emergency
Withheld Due to Medical
Tue, Feb 04, 2025 18:57
Outside Fire-Unknown
531 Fork Landing Rd
Mon, Feb 03, 2025 21:43
29B1 MVC Injuries
Irish Hill Rd @ Lexington Mill Rd
28 Fire Calls
92 EMS Calls
120 Total Runs
