Detroit — Fr. Joseph Francis Ryder passed away Oct. 31 at the age of 92.

Born Jan. 28, 1921, in Detroit, Fr. Ryder grew up the youngest in a family of seven children.

He was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1946 following his studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, later continuing to study theology at Catholic University of America, Notre Dame University and Creighton University.

Fr. Ryder was an associate pastor at several parishes throughout the archdiocese: Guardian Angels Parish in Detroit from 1946-51; Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Grotto) Parish in Detroit from 1951-55; St. Anselm Parish in Dearborn Heights from 1955-60; and St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Detroit from 1960-61.

He was made pastor of several other parishes later on. He served St. Alexander Parish in Farmington Hills from 1961-66; St. Louis Parish in Clinton Township from 1966-70; St. Andrew Parish in Rochester from 1970-75; and finally St. Owen Parish in Bloomfield Hills from 1975-92.

After receiving senior priest status, Fr. Ryder served at Prince of Peace Parish for 21 years until 2012.

Joseph Pero, a parishioner of St. Owen Parish, said he joined the parish a year after Fr. Ryder was made pastor.

“Fr. Ryder had an amazing ability to get people involved,” Pero said. “Whenever we had a parish dinner dance he would get about 100 people on various committees, the reception committee, the decorating committee, the tickets committee.”

Pero said Fr. Ryder had a knack for keeping in touch with his parish community: “One of the greatest things he did after he got here was managing to visit and bless the home of every single parishioner. He was a great guy and we missed him when he retired after 17 years.”

Fr. Ryder was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Isabella Ryder, as well as his six siblings James, Bill, Isabelle, Sr. Leorita Ryder, SSJ, Jack and Tommy. He is survived by several nephews, great nieces and nephews, and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was held Nov. 7 at St. Owen Parish. Interment is at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Condolences may be sent to Patrick Ryder, 4022 Vanstone, Commerce Township, MI 48382. Memorial tributes may be made to the Archdiocese of Detroit, “for senior priests of AOD” in memo line, c/o 2600 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48084.