Dennis George Ryder

Dennis George Ryder, 94, a long time citizen of Nashua died on February 21, 2024.

He had a rich and rewarding life, residing in 3 different countries and many varied locations, with Nashua twice being a home town. Born in 1930 in London, England, he survived the Blitz in WW2 and made many friends with American GI’s.

After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering, he and his wife Maggie immigrated to Canada in 1957 where he worked as a Mining Engineer in Toronto and in Thetford Mines Quebec. 1960 saw a move to the USA to Nashua, NH as an executive with Stanley Elevator Company. Ryder became an American citizen in 1965. By 1967, a new job with Payne Elevator led to a relocation to New Haven, Connecticut. Still climbing the corporate ladder, the next move in 1969 was to Guilbert Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By 1972, Ryder was the CEO.

Following an acquisition by American Sterilizer Company, another relocation ensued to Erie, Pennsylvania. In this position Dennis was responsible for 3 different material handling systems including robot carts that worked on their own, delivering food, linens and surgical supplies throughout the hospital. This interesting job involved widespread travel in the US and around the world.

In 1980, aided by his wife Maggie, Dennis started his own business in a brand new field selling parts to Rebuilders of auto electric starters and alternators, across 5 states. Once again he and Maggie returned to their first love, Nashua; this business lasted 23 years until retirement at age 73.

Through all of the travels and countries his beloved wife Maggie was a stalwart friend and supporter as well as a loving companion. They shared 52 years of marriage before her passing in 2006. He was also predeceased by daughter Heather Fiona Ryder, lifetime buddy Richard Stanley, very special friend and companion Shirley Clocher, and siblings June, Peter, and Gerald.

Dennis was fond of ballroom dancing, competing during the years 1950, 51, 52. In his later years, ballroom dancing became his passion and he went dancing every Sunday without fail. His very special friend and companion, Shirley Clocher, was his partner for most of that time.

Dennis was a past member of the Nashua Board of Education.

Survivors include daughter Penny and son-in-law Eric Rothkopf. He was known as DadDad to his 6 grandchildren Kris, Kirk, Gary, Pamela, and Douglas Rothkopf, and Meaghann Guilmette, as well as 3 great grandkids – Nicholas, Jace, and Rose – and extended family including Gary’s wife Victoria and Pamela’s partner Marc Heinhold.

Surviving family in England includes sister Christine and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Also here in New Hampshire, he leaves behind two very dear and special friends Raymond and Linda Peeples and their families – Heather, Amanda, Christopher and grandchildren Kayla, Brandon and Cameron. Other dear friends are Cyndi Cameron, Jaqueline and Cameron Gillespie.

Ryder loved Nashua and asked that we say goodbye to his many friends.

There will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dennis’s name to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054.