Carol J. (Wallof) Ryder

Carol Wallof Ryder, 80, of West Haven, entered into rest with a faint smile and her husband, Tom – who had not left her side until his final kiss to her – on March 23, 2026.  Carol was an accomplished and gifted decorative painter.  Had she not underestimated her talent, Carol could have been an art instructor and certainly could have sold her work.  Christmas and bird themes were among her favorites to craft.

Carol and Tom travelled throughout the United States, including the National Parks, Hawaii and Alaska. Visits to Maine brought back childhood memories when Carol would spend summers with cousins at the family’s ocean front home on Wells Beach. 

Trips to animal shelters, making monetary and other donations, spoke to Carol’s love of all animals.  She took in strays, injured cats and parrots.  Perhaps her favorite pet was Nikki, the parrot, who will always be with her.

Carol’s career in the clerical department of the railroad spanned over 30 years, beginning at the NY, NH, Hartford Railroad, Penn Central, Conrail and ending at Metro North.  She thoroughly enjoyed her job and her coworkers.

In addition to her husband of 35 years, Carol leaves her son Darrin Romano and two granddaughters Alissa Romano and Faith Ryan.  She is predeceased by her daughter Kim Romano and her parents Stanley and Velma Brown Wallof.

Visitation for Carol will take place on Saturday March 28, 2026, at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green between 11 am and 1 pm, with a prayer service at 12:30. Donations may be made to H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Inc., 43 Wilbur Road, Washington, CT 06777, or horseofct.org.

To leave an online message for the Ryder family, please visit our website www.westhavenfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol J. (Wallof) Ryder, please visit our floral store.