​Wilson C. Ryder Jr., 88, formerly of Milford, Con necticut passed away peacefully at the Masonicare Nursing Home in Wallingford, Connecticut on Friday, October 26, 2018.

​Wilson was born on April 29, 1930 in Dresden, Maine to the late Wilson Sr. and Zadia (Barter) Ryder.

​He proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home from the war, Wilson was employed as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America both in Illinois and in Connecticut. After his tenure at the Boy Scouts organization, he became a plumber, eventually becoming the sole proprietor of Ryder Plumbing Company and Milford Solar Systems. After his retirement, he worked part time as a school bus driver.

​Wilson devoted his time to many service organizations including the Lion's Club, St. John's Masonic Lodge #8, Masonic Lodge of Research and the Police Square Club of Connecticut. He was the past president of the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractor's Association. Wilson also volunteered as a Hunting and Safety instructor for the State of Connecticut.

​Wilson is survived by his sons, Wilson III and his girlfriend Debbie LaPointe, Eugene and his wife Kelly of Stratford, his daughters, Dorothy and her husband Philip Anderson of Derby and Elaine Ryder of Torrington. His brother, Arthur Ryder and his wife Donna. He was the proud grandfather of Destinee Dos Santos, Casey, Cheyenne and Magdolyn Ryder, Staff Sergeant Philip Anderson, Alexzandra, Samuel and Maxwell Anderson, and Candice and Owen Ryder. He has one great-grandchild, LilleyAnn Dos Santos.

​He was predeceased by his wife, Lila and daughter Elizabeth Hite, and two brothers, Albert and Harland Ryder.

​Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 4-8 pm at Dennis & D'Arcy - Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home 2611 Main Street, Stratford, CT. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 11:00 am at First Congregational Church, 2301 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow in Union Cemetery, Stratford.

​In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Masonicare Nursing Home in Wallingford, Connecticut. The family would like to thank the staff of the Masonicare Nursing Home for the excellent care Wilson received during his extended stay.