Virginia Beach- It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kelly Michael Ryder, a great man who shared kindness and never ending humor with everyone he met.  Kelly was born on July 4, 1964 and passed away peacefully on Saturday; October 3, 2026.  He was born in Portsmouth, VA to the late Vernon Ryder, Sr. and Georganna Ryder, who he loved and adored very much.

Kelly left this world a beloved father, brother, uncle and friend.  He will be deeply missed by his son, Alec Ryder; his siblings: James "Jimmy" Ryder, Vernon Ryder, Jr., Jeff Ryder, Jerry Ryder, Mary Ryder-Lovett, Liz Morris, Jackie Nixon and Becky Jack; as well as the mother of thier son, Denise Federico.

Kelly profoundly enjoyed playing golf and watching all kinds of sports.  At least once a week during the spring and summer, you could find Kelly on the golf course crushing the competition.  If there was a football game on, you had better not stand in the way unless you wanted a kick in the butt.  In Kelly's younger years, he had quite the talent for baseball.  He had no equal on the field and earned a reputation for being extrordinary at baseball.

A big part of Kelly's life was the friendships he made along the way.  There wasn't a place in Hampton Roads where the name Kelly Ryder wasn't known by someone.  He loved getting together with his friends and going wherever the night took them.  He surrounded himself with people who stood beside him for numerous years.  He made sure every escapade was a night filled with laughter and mischief.  Kelly also enjoyed spending time with his family especially during the holidays.

Whenever Kelly entered a room, he did it with a joke that was sure to bring a smile to your face.  When life was there to knock you down, Kelly would be there to pick you up.  All you had to do was ask.  He helped countless people in their time of need and requested nothing in return.  He always wanted to make sure the people around him was taken care of.

If there was one thing Kelly cared about more than anything in the world, it was his son.  Kelly and his son were inseparable best friends and were together to the very end.  Kelly's family and friends will forever carry Kelly's down to earth spirit with them and the memory of him will remain in their hearts.  Kelly without a doubt leaves behind a legacy of generosity, friendship, selflessness and laughter-filled memories.  He will be forever loved !!!

A memorial service will be held at 5pm on Monday; October 19, 2026 at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services; 1146 Rodgers St.; Chesapeake, VA 23324.  A reception will be held immediately following the memorial service at Union Alehouse; 2224 Va. Beach Blvd.; Va. Beach 23454.  Please keep the family in your prayers.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Kelly's loving and generous spirit, the family welcomes memorial donations to be made to St. Judes of CHKDin honor of Kelly Michael Ryder.  Donations may be made at www.st.jude.org or www.chkd.org