WORTHINGTON, MA - It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Jeffrey Alan Rida on his 69th birthday at Mass General Hospital in Boston, with his better-half, Karen holding his hand while he made sure she was asleep. His 14-year struggle with cancer is now over and he is no longer in pain. Jeff was born on May 19, 1957, to Alan P. Rida and Shirley Whitaker Rida. 

           His life was well lived with more than a million miles all over New England in a tractor trailer truck. His daily trips for N & B Express. Inc. for 25 years, and then his next family, R.M. Sullivan for seven more, gave him 32 wonderful years as a member of Teamsters 404. His work ethic was a tribute to a Big Man whom one of his Drs. called a Gentle Giant. He loved all of his trucker families. The CB radio friends and fellow truck drivers would reach out to Shifty and get their GPS recommendations before GPSs were even invented.

              He was known to his family as Mr. Rand McNalley and always gave his children the best rest stops and gas prices along their road trips whenever they requested. Jess used his skill when traveling back from college for the nearest rest stop.

       In his retirement he enjoyed going to breakfast or lunch with friends; having garage hangouts; providing directions throughout the Northeast over the phone; and watching his grandchildren play in their many sports. Throughout the year he could often be found on a tractor somewhere on the families farm.

           Jeff was a member of the Worthington Snowmobile Club for many years and recently was named a Legion in the middle of April. He enjoyed many miles with numerous friends. You all know who you are, and the multiple beers at Liston's to end out the day. He was also a member of the Cummington Lions Club with his grandfather, Leroy, and Dad, Alan, making the first three generation members of a Lions Club, a true tribute to Leroy who was dedicated to this organization.

      Jeff leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Karen, his children, Glenn (Kate), Jessica, Andrew (Bridget), and Ryan (Marjorie), his grandchildren. Jake (Haley), Katelynn (Preston), Madison, Kaleigh, Andrew. Nora, and Jaden, great-grand-daughter Shannon and soon to be great-grandson. He also leaves his brother Steve and his family, Amanda, Steven Jr, and Cody and many grand nieces and nephews and his stepmother, Mary Rida of Sarnia, Canada. Additionally, he leaves behind many more wonderful cousins and extended family and friends-more than anyone could ever wish for.

          He now joins his mom and dad along with his grandparents Leroy and Gertrude Rida and Wendell and Ethel Whitaker, his aunt Anne Richardson, aunt Nancy Sheppard and uncle Rodney Whitaker and his mother-in-law Nancy Wickland.

           A special thank you to Dr Lindsay Rockwell, and Dr. David Serlin who were there before the cancer even showed but watched him closely when the inevitable happened in November of 2011. Jeff begged for medicine to get him through three more months to reach his 32 years in the union. It worked. A special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Barnes, Dr. Patrick Johnson Dr. Deborah Forst, plus multiple others, too many to list. The fantastic nurses and PCA's on Lunder 9 for the last eleven days to include Claire, Allyson, Emma, Lisa, Lynne, Sela, Pierce and Danielle. If I forgot anyone, thank you. Your impeccable care for Jeff made him so comfortable and at ease during this difficult time. But also made his family know that he was getting the best care possible. 

            Visiting hours for Jeff will be held on Sunday, May 31st from 12:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Ahearn Funeral Home in Northampton. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, June 14th at the Cummington Fair Ground from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. A true tribute to a man who loved to party and enjoy the company of his family and friends. 

          If you would like to make a donation in Jeff's memory, please consider the Hillside Agricultural Society, care of Sandy Lilly, P.O. Box 3004, Ashfield MA 01330, or any organization closest to your heart.

Next time you are enjoying a beer or bowl of ice cream please remember Jeff as these were two of his favorites.