Stephen C. Ryder, 79, a lifelong resident of Framingham, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on Friday, November 2, 2018 after a period of declining health. A 21 year heart transplant survivor, Steve was born in Framingham, the son of the late Stephen R. & Eileen (Hayes) Ryder. For more than 56 years, he was the beloved husband of Marguerite E. (Keaney).

Steve graduated from Framingham High School in 1957, earned his B.A. from St. Anselm’s College in 1966, and his M.Ed from Framingham State College in 1969. A talented baseball player, he signed a contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1958, and generously donated his bonus money to his father who started Ryder Concrete and eventually Ryder Sand & Gravel in Milford, NH.

After a successful four year career he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart and continue his education while still playing baseball in the Boston Park League until 1968, eventually being inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1987. Steve was also a member of the Milford Orioles 1965 Tri-Mountain Champions.

Steve taught at Marian High, Coolidge Jr. High School, Natick, was the Athletic Director and counselor in continuing education at Framingham State College. He coached baseball, basketball, and football at Marian High, Natick High, Framingham American Legion Baseball, and Framingham State College. Affectionately known as “Mr. Framingham”, he loved his community, following local politics and was happy to help out in any way that he could.

Besides his wife Margi, Steve is survived by his daughter, Christine M. Lessing & her husband Aaron of Framingham, his grandchildren, Shea, Ryder, Maire, and Trey, his sisters, Lynne Erdody of Milford, NH, Sharleen Peters of Framingham, MA, and Maddy Ryder of Milford, MA. Steve is also survived by many nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by his sister Jerelyn “Peaches” Ryder.

A funeral mass was celebrated on the morning of Wednesday November 7th at St. Bridget’s Church in Framingham, MA with interment in St. Stephen’s Cemetery also in Framingham.