Sean Ryder Whitteaker

Sean Ryder Whitteaker of Norwalk, CT passed away on January 26, 2020, at the age of 27.  He was born on July 27, 1992, in Norwalk.

Sean will be missed everyday by his parents Marcie Ryder and Kyle Whitteaker, his two brothers and best friends, Kristopher Whitteaker and Tyler Whitteaker, his maternal grandparents, David and Paula Ryder, his girlfriend and love of his life Julia Silva, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Rodney and Jan Whitteaker.

Sean lived in Norwalk throughout his life.  He attended Norwalk schools and graduated from Norwalk High School in 2010 where he was a standout member of the baseball and soccer teams.  Sean was a sports enthusiast as both a player and avid fan.  He rarely missed the opportunity to root on the Yankees, Jets, Rangers, Manchester United Soccer, and his all-time favorite basketball player, LeBron James.  Sean’s competitive spirit whether it be in athletics, family card games or video games was unmatched.  Sean loved his family and friends deeply.  He greeted everyone with a warm smile and memorable hug.  He was particularly close with his two brothers, they were often together working out at the gym, traveling to Vermont to snowmobile, or watching sports.  Sean was amazing with children and animals – his kindred spirits.  He could always be found entertaining the littlest cousins of the bunch who will miss his silly personality and contagious smile or snuggling up with the family pets who adored him as much as he adored them.  Cooking came naturally to Sean, he was always happy to throw together a delicious, gourmet meal at a moment’s notice.

Those who knew Sean, even just a little, lost a shining light in their life.  He had so much goodness, so much capacity to bring happiness to others.  The world is a lesser place without him.

All are welcome to attend a visitation on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Hoyt-Cognetta Raymond Funeral Home, 5 East Wall Street, In Historic Norwalk, CT.  Memorial donations can be made in Sean’s name to couragetospeak.org.