After a long and fruitful life, Robert D Riedl of Worcester passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2014. He was born in Worcester, Mass. on April 23, 1917, the son of Louis and Bertha (Laverty) Riedl. His loving wife of 56 years, Phyllis (Morey) Riedl predeceased him in 2007. He was the brother of Louis H Riedl and Joseph Riedl, both of whom also predeceased him.
Robert graduated with an Associate in Science degree from the Stockbridge School, University of Massachusetts-Amherst. As a 1st Sgt in the U. S. Air Force during World War II, Robert was stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado and participated in the Battles of Tinian and Saipan as a tail gunner with the 17th Squadron earning a Bronze Star Medal of Honor. His war-time experiences fostered a life-long interest in aviation.
Robert was the owner of R & R Refrigeration in Worcester until his retirement. An avid golfer, he had been a member of Hillcrest Country Club in Leicester and Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton. He was also a member of the Worcester Lodge of Elks. Robert enjoyed gardening throughout his life sharing his prized tomatoes and vegetables throughout the season as well as his family-famous delicious home-made pickles.
Robert is survived by his brothers-in-law, Norman Morey, Ronnie Morey and Barry Morey; his nephews Robert J Riedl of Brewster, MA, Thomas Morey of Boxboro, MA and Jimmy Morey of Hudson, MA; his nieces, Georgene Riedl of Brewster, MA, Paula Riedl-Woolard of Harwich, MA, Kathleen Marchetere of Manchester, NH and Lesley Morey, of Nashua, NH; and long-time friends Jack and Joanne Tierney of Worcester, along with numerous great- nieces and nephews. Robert had a special place in his heart for his caregivers Donna and Maureen and his family thanks them for their kind service.
Burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Care Network and Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, is assisting with arrangements.