AUBURN — Melvin Ryder-Barry, 28, died Monday, Oct. 9, encircled by his family at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn. He died from complications of Crohn’s disease, which he suffered from since childhood. Melvin was adopted March 9, 2005, by Jean Marie Devos Barry and Dr. John Patrick Barry of Bangor. He was born as Melvin Lee Ryder Jr., on March 9, 1989, in Belfast.

Melvin graduated from Bangor High School in 2008 and Penobscot Job Corps in 2009. He worked in customer support and communications in the Lewiston-Auburn area at ACS, Great Falls Marketing and Argo Contact Centers.

Melvin loved anime, Superman, gaming and indulgent eating. In any board game where he could take a long, complicated turn, his friends would call those “Melvin turns.” He never wanted the game and time together to end.

Melvin was a philosopher and an old soul despite his short life. His friends and family will remember him for his ability to see and accept them for who they are, and love them regardless. His selflessness, compassion, bravery and generosity inspired those lucky enough to know him.

Melvin is survived by his parents; his adoptive siblings, Patricia Rose Barry Reaves (and her husband, Tony), John Louis Barry (and his wife, Erin), James Edward Barry (and his wife, Chandra) and Jean Frances Hope Barry; his biological siblings, Bob and Bradley Ryder; his nieces, Octavia Ryder and Felicity Jean Reaves; and many other friends and family, biological and adoptive, who hold him in their hearts.

Melvin’s short life was racked with pain. His family would especially like to thank the staff at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for making Melvin’s final days peaceful, carefree and full of love.

All Melvin ever wanted in life was to be part of a family that loved him. His siblings and parents want the world to know that our lives were not complete without him.

Melvin Ryder-Barry

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