John W. Rydin, 89, of Berlin, NH passed away on Friday evening, March 10, 2017 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin. He was born in Boston, MA on April 14, 1927, the son of Spencer and Leota (Whitcomb) Rydin and had lived in Berlin most of his life. He attended Berlin High School and graduated from Mt. Herman Prep School in Northfield, MA. He served in the US Coast Guard. He had been the manager of Rydin’s Department Store and later the manager of the Globe Department Store for many years. John was an avid reader, liked to walk, enjoyed Boston sports and enjoyed summering at the family home in Island Pond, Vermont. He was a member of American Legion, Elks Club and the VFW.
Members of his family include his wife Lorraine (Roy) Rydin of Berlin; his sons Craig Rydin and his wife Linda of Avon, CT; Gary Rydin and his wife Kathy of Center Conway, NH; John Rydin and his wife Linda of Dover, NH; one cousin Dr. James Skillings of Bedford, NH. He is fondly remembered as “Papa” by his six grandchildren Derek, Corey, Brent, Rachel, Sara and Patrick. He enjoyed the special times spent with his five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister Joanne Wolcott.
SERVICES: A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 3, 2017 at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Berlin. Relatives and friends may call at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin on Saturday morning prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. . Anyone who wishes may make a donation to the Androscoggin Valley Hospital, 59 Page Hill Rd., Berlin, NH 03570 in his memory. Arrangements are by the Bryant Funeral Homes, Berlin & Gorham, NH.