ALBANY – William O. “Will” Rider, 11, of Albany, died Monday, August 30, 2010 at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Will was born in Albany and lived here all his life. He was a student at the Wildwood School in Schenectady. He is survived by his parents Brian and Mary Rider; his sister Katherine Eberle; his grandmother Patricia Rhodes of Albany; and by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Owen Rhodes and William and Delores Rider.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany today from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Those who wish to remember Will in a special way, and to help other children like Will may make contributions in his name to Wildwood Foundation, Inc., 2995C Curry Rd Extension, Schenectady,NY 12303. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Beth McLaughlin
August 31, 2010 at 3:06 amI’ll never forget the first day I met Will. He was one of the most beautiful little boys I ever saw. His laugh and smile would light up the world. Although he didn’t speak, when he looked at you there was a connection that needed no words. My clearest memory will always be of the love his family had for him. I’m am so very sorry for your loss, Brian and Mary. Sincerely, Beth McLaughlin
Carol Diotte
August 31, 2010 at 6:37 amMary, Brian & Katherine,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Will.
Carol & Jerry Diotte
Kathleen Jones
August 31, 2010 at 6:52 amBrian, Mary & Katie,
We will miss Will immensely at Wildwood. He was always happy and smiling. He LOVED being outdoors and being active; that’s when he smiled the most. We will miss that infectious smile and bright blue eyes.
Please know that my sympathetic thoughts and prayers are with your family.
A big hug for you all,
Kathy
🙂
Stacy A. Barringer
August 31, 2010 at 12:23 pmI just want to say I’m sorry for your loss, and I just want to tell that you have a great son, and my favorite memory of Will was when I was in cr3. with Nancy, Tina , and he was my first nibble on my cheek, and I thought that he was giving me a kiss, and from then on Will was so great to be around. I will miss him so much, and so sorry again about your loss to you and your family. Love Stacy
Cheryl Nelson
August 31, 2010 at 12:43 pmTo Will’s family,
Although I never worked directly with Will, I was often in his classroom, gym class, outside for recess, and so on. Please know that Will and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers,
so sorry for your loss. Cheryl (from physical therapy)
Mark Marshall
August 31, 2010 at 12:48 pmBrian & family,
So very sorry for your loss. You and Will and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark
Linda Benton
August 31, 2010 at 12:49 pmBrian and Mary, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Will’s death. Beth McLaughlin, the music therapist told me – we are still in touch regularly as friends. I just returned from vacation two days ago, so was glad she emailed me. I know teachers aren’t supposed to have “favorite” students, but we all know that we do. Will and Dominic M. came to Nancy D’s class the same year together and it was my first year at Wildwood. Both Will and Dom remained very special to me, as did their families. I always marveled at you both at our IEP planning meetings for being so upbeat, and especially for obviously loving Will just for who he was. I’ll never forget the time you stated your goal for him for the coming year. You said you didn’t want him to lose his good nature. I thought that was remarkable, and said it all as to the wonderful family he had. I don’t know the details, but as a mother, my thoughts and prayers are very much with you in this incredible time of grief. Linda
Ralph Sansaricq
August 31, 2010 at 1:23 pmDear Mary and Family; my prayers and support are with you at this tragic time in your life. My son, Robert is 18 and goes to Wildwood School. I can relate to the many wonderful moments and learning experiences you have had, together with Will. That is a gift parents of special children share and treasure. On September 12, 2010, Robert and I plan to race in the Autism 5K, sponsored by Wildwood School. We would like to run in honor and remeberance of WILL. God bless.
Amy Severson
September 1, 2010 at 5:04 amMary & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you are and family during this most difficult time.
God Bless
Love & Prayers,
Amy Severson
John Mastrianni
September 3, 2010 at 10:00 amBrian and Mary,
Marybeth and I want you to know that we are very sorry and saddened by your loss. Will and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
eileen mastrantuono
September 8, 2010 at 7:26 pmdear brian and mary,
i am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy will. he and my son dominic were in the same class in wildwood. i cannot imagine what you are going through but i just want you to know you are in my thoughts.
eileen mastrantuono