Calvin F. Rider

ST. JOHNSVILLE - After over a month-long battle with pneumonia (loving Father & Grandfather), Calvin F. Rider passed away, on December 28th, 2025, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, New York.

Calvin was born in Little Falls, New York, December 2nd, 1949. A son to Carlton Rider & Catherine (Stever) Rider. He grew up in Saint Johnsville, New York. He then attended college at SUNY Plattsburgh, New York.

Humor was one of Calvin’s wonderful and well-known characteristics. He was often referred to as the “class clown” in his elementary school years. As he grew older, he became a free spirit. He developed a sincere compassion for animals and enjoyed nature, especially bird watching. He was always active and on the go with an easy-going personality whilst always quick to forgive.

Cal was generous to all, including family, friends, and even strangers. He loved to talk. He enjoyed the company of friends and was often recognized for his intelligence. He could have an accurate answer for almost any and all questions. And, if he didn’t know the answer immediately, he would figure it out.

He lived a simple life. He worked full time most of his life at White Mop Ringer in Fonda – Fultonville. Often accompanied by one or two part time jobs.

Calvin enjoyed music and baseball above everything else. The Doors, his favorite of all bands. And what about those Boston Red Sox?

Calvin is survived by his wife, Susan J. Cosselman, a daughter Stephanie (Rider) & son-in-law, Russell Richards, a son, Christopher Rider & daughter-in-law, Stacy (Schur) Rider, along with his three grandchildren, Tiasha Rider, Savannah Rider, & Trent Richards.

There will be a Celebration of Life at The St. Johnsville American Legion, 38 West Main Street in St. Johnsville, New York, on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

Abiding by his wishes for no formal service and no funeral, the family asks that all relatives and friends come to celebrate Calvin in the way we remember and love him. Please share your memories, photos, stories, and music. Whatever reminds you of the great man that Calvin was. If you would like to send flowers and condolences, we ask that these be sent as donations to the American Legion as well.

Calvin's funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street in St. Johnsville, New York. His obituary may be viewed by visiting the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet. 

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (518) 568-2300. 

And now, the end is near

And so, I face the final curtain

My friend, I'll say it clear

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

Regrets, I've had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course

Each careful step along the by way

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew

But through it all, when there was doubt

I ate it up and spit it out

I faced it all, and I stood tall

And did it my way

I've loved, I've laughed and cried

I've had my fill, my share of losing

And now, as tears subside

I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that

And may I say, not in a shy way

Oh, no, oh, no, not me

I did it my way

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught

To say the things, he truly feels

And not the words of one who kneels

The record shows I took the blows

And did it my way.

~~Frank Sinatra