Gregory Rider

Gregory “Greg” Rider, 68, of Bethlehem, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Holy Family Manor. Born on June 18, 1957, he was the son of the late Barbara A. (Benkovic) and William A. Rider III.

Greg graduated from Liberty High School in 1975 where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. He attended St. Joseph’s elementary school and was a former parishioner of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church until it closed in 2008, and was a current parishioner of Holy Infancy parish in Bethlehem. For over 35 years he worked at Victaulic, his last position as a machinist, and was a member of the Steelworkers Union. He enjoyed golfing and fishing, and was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. As a member of the Black Rock Hunting Club, Greg enjoyed many vacations and weekends at the camp, fishing, hiking, biking, working on the camp, enjoying the camaraderie of his buddies, and the peace of being in nature outside of cellphone range. He loved and cherished his rescue dog, Sydney.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Christopher Rider and Andrew Rider; sisters, Paula Kydoniefs (Dimitri), Annamarie Lewis, Barbara Rider Eddleman (John Michael), and Beth Ann Flanagan (James); sister-in-law, Dana Rider; former wife, Patricia Rider; companion, Lori Lloyd; and his numerous nieces and nephews. Greg was preceded in death by his brother, John W. Rider and brother-in-law, Thorbert Lewis.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Another viewing will also be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 10-11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 413 E. 5th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. in the Church. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem, Gregory Rider Memorial Fund, PO Box 1367, Bethlehem, PA 18016 or to Black Rock Hunting Club, C/O Jason Renninger, 512 American Legion Blvd., Pine Grove, PA 17963.