Northborough – Louis W. Rydant, 93, passed away peacefully at his home March 5, 2019, with family by his side. He was born in Saugus, the son to the late Joseph W. and Eva A. (Collett) Rydant.
Immediately following high school graduation in 1943, Lou joined the U.S. Navy and honorably served his country as a Radioman during WWII aboard the USS Tarawa CV-40 and the Korean War. After completing his active duty, he remained in the U.S. Naval Reserves until his retirement as a Chief Petty Officer in 1985. His 42 years of naval service was one of the signature events of his life.
In 1957 he commenced employment with the Northborough Water Department and remained there until his retirement 36 years later as Superintendent of the Northborough Water and Sewer Department.
He was a tireless worker, always working two or three jobs to ensure his family was provided for – “because that’s what dads do.” He and his wife provided an initial home to more than 25 foster children and ultimately became adoptive parents themselves. He taught us life was not always fair and that we needed to push on and “figure it out.” His breadth of knowledge was boundless; his skill at fixing things knew no boundaries; his frugality was legendary; and his willingness to do anything and learn new things to help his family was most admirable.
Granddaughter Erin sums up reflections of all the grandchildren when she says, “As a kid, I always looked forward to the adventures I would have with Grandpa. He always made sure we had fun. Whether we were hunting for trolls in the sewer, eating fresh honeycomb from his bee hives, picking blueberries in the woods, or climbing a childhood favorite (of all the granddaughters) backwoods Hamburger Rock, he would always encourage [our] sense of adventure. He would tuck us into bed and tell us “Little Louie” stories, often reminiscing about a local favorite, Chet’s Diner. As I got older, I always looked forward to his letters. He was one of the few who could still put pen to paper in the most entertaining way. I still have some of his letters with tales of his own adventures, sprinkled with humor.”
Louis is survived by his three children, Maureen Wright of Hauser, Idaho, Albert Rydant and his wife Karen of W. Chesterfield, N.H., and Margaret Rydant of Northborough; four grandchildren, Kimberley Gateb, Erin Smith, Tara Holbrook and Cher Jacobson; and three great-grandchildren, Jaelyn Chagnon, Abigail Holbrook and Calvin Holbrook. He also leaves a sister, Lorrie Goodrich of Schenectady, N.Y.
To honor Lou’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. A private graveside memorial will take place on family land in Idaho at a later date.
To leave messages of condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
Memorial Donations in his memory may be made to his favorite charity: St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325, 1-800-341-2235 (https://www.stjo.org).
