Jack H. Rider of Seaford, died on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, in Melbourne, Fla.
He was born on April 5, 1940 in Laurel, a son of the late George and Ruth Rider.
Jack graduated from Delmar High School with the class of 1958 and the University of Delaware with the class of 1962. He proudly served his country in the US Army. He spent a majority of his career as a civil engineer with Exxon Research & Engineering.
In their younger years, Jack and his wife Barbara lived in New Jersey where he served on the Florham Park Planning Commission and was instrumental in bringing the sport of soccer to the town. He also had periods of residence in Illinois, Maryland, Germany, Venezuela, and London in connection with his education, military and business assignments with Exxon. Jack & Barbara eventually returned to Delaware in 1996 after retirement. He spent some time as a volunteer for a youth advocate program. Jack enjoyed playing tennis and spending his winters in Florida. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Jack is survived by four children, Mark A. Rider (Cheryl) of Hamilton, Va., Terri A. DiSessa (Ken) of Randolph, N.J., Richard S. Rider (Lynne) of Morris Plains, N.J. and Wade E. Rider (Jen) of Holland, Pa.; 11 grandchildren, Luke, Shea, Kyle (Alysa), Danielle, Mitchell (Katie), Casey, Eric, Zach, Chase, Dylan and Jake; a great-grandchild, Gabriella; and brothers, Jerry Rider and Jon Rider. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara E. Rider, who passed on Dec. 21, 2012; and a sister, Joan Pochop.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where family and friends may call from noon to 1. Interment with military honors will follow at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron, Md.
Contributions may be made in his memory to the Delmar Alumni Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 184, Delmar, DE 19940.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar.