Edward Ryder

Edward Ryder, 75, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina and formerly of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, passed away April 7, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

He was born May 4, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Edward M. Ryder, Sr., and Elizabeth Freeman Ryder. He lived in Ohio until moving to SC in 2022. He grew up in the St. Aloysius parish, Cleveland. He was a 1962 graduate of St. Aloysius School, a 1966 graduate of St. Joseph High School, a 1970 graduate of Cleveland State University, and a 1977 graduate of Cleveland Marshall Law School. He worked his way through college and law school. 

He met the love of his life, Diane Cuffman Ryder, in 1969 during the early days of the Reagan campaign. They were married in 1971 and moved from Euclid to Geauga County in 1979. He was a devoted husband, loving Dad to daughters Megan (Matt Snider) of Columbus and Kate (David Young) of Spartanburg SC, and beloved Papa to Bridget, Clare, Norah, Jack, and Luke. 

He was a founding partner in the Solon law firm of Mazanec, Raskin, and Ryder, LPA, where he worked as a trial attorney from 1984-2014. He was the youngest member of the Ohio Legislature from 1971 to 1972, and spent much of his lifetime volunteering in many campaigns and serving in local government, including Newbury Township Trustee. 

He served as chairman of the Geauga County (Ohio) Republican Party, and served on the Geauga County Board of Elections for several years. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2012.  He devoted his life to the service of others and the promotion of good government. 
He was an avid golfer, traveler, hunter, and fisherman who enjoyed adventures with friends and family. His favorite trip was to Europe for a tour “In the Footsteps of Patton,” which he enjoyed with wife Diane and friends and travel buddies Dale and Nancy Fellows. 

He was a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan and wore red and grey whenever he could. 

Besides his loving wife, daughters, and grandchildren, he is survived by a sister, Joann Varga of Strongsville, Ohio, brother-in-law Gary Cuffman (wife, Pattie) of Willoughby, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews. He was a devoted friend to many, especially Frank Thomas, Bob Huefner, and Bob McGee, since grade school and high school days. 

He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Spartanburg, where he was active in the men’s prayer group and Emmaus. He was a devoted follower of the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11 am at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury, with Fr. Jay McPhillips officiating. Following the Mass there will be a Celebration of Life Eulogy Service at 1 PM followed by Reception at DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION CENTER, 12811 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland until 4 PM.  Please come with memories to share. Interment will be private and held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ed’s memory to St. Paul the Apostle School, 152 Alabama St., Spartanburg SC 29302 or St. Helen’s School, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury OH 44065.

Arrangements by DeJohn Funeral Home and Celebration Center of Chesterland
 
Psalm 34:8: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!