Robert B. Gryder, age 87 of Seymour, formerly of Shelton and Beacon Falls, passed away July 17, 2017 in Connecticut Hospice, Branford.  Robert was born in Tannersville, NY, April 26, 1930, son of the late Robert A. and Frieda McCloskey Gryder.  Living in Tannersville, NY, he loved fishing in the creek behind his house and climbing Hunter Mountain with his childhood friends.  He moved to Shelton at age 14 where he spent most of his life, later moving to Beacon Falls with his wife.  Robert worked at Winchester Arms in his early years and later as a machinist for the former Samarious, Inc. for many years until his retirement.  His joys in life were his family, his longtime friend who was always at his side, Sam Roberts, the NY Mets, visiting Hunter Mountain with his family, playing Scrabble and crossword puzzles, listening to Johnny Cash, and attending the CT Hurricanes Drum Corps shows.  He loved taking his children on vacation every year to a cottage on the lake where he taught them how to fish and play baseball.  He also enjoyed taking his children to Drum Corps practice and watching them in the parades and competitions.  The family would like to thank the staffs of Shady Knoll, Yale New Haven St. Raphael Campus, and Connecticut Hospice for their compassionate care.  He is survived by his daughters, Lori Hemenway (John) Karen Pelaggi (Gary); his grandchildren, Melissa, John Jr., and Jacob Hemenway, Brandy DeFount (Kyle) and Heather Gesner; his great grandchild, Arlo Jett Hemenway Mazurkivich.  He was predeceased by his loving wife, Florence Hyman Gryder; his grandchild, Jamie Lee Hemenway; and his step sister, Gertrude Mas.  A memorial service will be held Saturday October 7th at 12:30 PM at the James T. Toohey & Son Funeral Home, 92 Howe Ave., Shelton.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family. 

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