Obituary of Gerald R. Rider

DELHI — Gerald R. Rider died Dec. 6, 2012, at his home in Delhi after a valiant fight with cancer. He was born in Delhi on Nov. 5, 1940, to Basil and Myrtle Rider. Gerald was raised in Delhi and graduated from Delaware Academy in 1959. As a survivor of childhood polio, he never stopped pushing forward. As a graduate of Broome Tech, Oklahoma State University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he was a highly educated, outstandingly intelligent and analytical man. He married Lucy Knapp, also of Delhi, and raised two sons, Patrick and Michael Rider, in Glastonbury, Conn., where he lived for many years. After retiring from a long and successful career as an aerospace engineer for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, Conn., Gerald returned to Delhi, married Elizabeth Newbury of West Hartford, Conn., and dedicated much of his time to his lifelong passion of high-performance automobiles, which he showed throughout the area. Gerald was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, and his youngest son, Michael. Those who knew Gerald knew a multifaceted man; an analyst, engineer, musician, mechanic, friend, husband and father who faced as many blessings as challenges in a lifetime of travel, adventure and remarkable experiences. Gerald is survived by his sisters, Barbara and husband Tyler Secord, and Joyce and husband Ronald Smith; his brother, David Rider; his son, Patrick and wife Thanya Rider; and his three treasured grandchildren, Michael, Megan and Naomi Rider. A Memorial for close friends and family is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at 6 p.m. at the Quarter Moon Cafe, Main Street, Delhi, N.Y., with hopes that all will share the memories and moments they experienced with him. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.macarthurfh.com Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Delhi, N.Y.