The community is mourning the loss of 32-year-old Timothy J. Ryder, Jr, who was killed in the fire at Upstate Shredding last week.
The fire started at around 5:50 p.m. on Thursday night at the shredder on State Route 38.
Two employees were trapped inside the motor room of the tower during the fire. One was able to self-extricate, but Ryder was not able to make it out of the building.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Upstate Shredding owner Adam Weitsman called Ryder a valued and beloved teammate in announcing the tragic incident on his Facebook page.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Estey, Munroe and Fahey Funeral Home, located at 15 Park Street in Owego. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4 to 6 at the funeral home.
Here is the obituary from Estey, Munroe and Fahey:
Timothy J. “Timmy” Ryder, Jr., 32, of Barton, New York, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, October 30, 2025, due to a tragic accident. Timmy is survived by his mother and her wife, Willetta Ryder and Terri Kirschke; brothers, Jeffrey Letscher, Ian Ryder; his cat, numerous extended family and friends. Timmy was very proud to be employed as a supervisor with Upstate Shredding. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park Street, Owego, New York with the Rev. Phil Jordan, officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
