William A. Rider, Iii

William A. Rider, III, 79, of Bethlehem, died on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke's.

He was born in Harrisburg the son of the late William A., Jr. and Elizabeth J. Moore Rider.

William is survived by his caring wife of 52 years, Barbara A. Benkovic Rider of Bethlehem.

He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army.

William, a draftsman, retired in 1994, after 28 years at the Bethlehem Steel Co. and 15 years at the former Fuller Co.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Paula Kydoniefs of Kenner, LA; Annamarie Lewis of Palmerton; Barbara Rider Eddleman of Metairie, LA; and Beth Ann Schmoyer of Bethlehem; as well as his son, Gregory M. Rider of Bethlehem; a sister Dorothy Bilger of Hershey; and 13 grandchildren.

William was preceded in death by his son, John W. Rider and his brother Raymond Rider.

He will be forever remembered as a loving husband and devoted father that got the most joy out of spending time with his family. The family?s fondest memories include two week summer vacations at Stone Harbor, NJ and nights around the table playing The Dollar Game.

A visitation will be held at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem on Monday June 11, 2007 from 6-8PM and again on Tuesday June 12, 2007 from 9:30-10:30 AM in the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday June 12, 2007 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Action to Cure Kidney Cancer care of the funeral home.