Paul A. Riessle
Retired TWA Airlines Mechanic
TEWKSBURY: Paul A. Riessle, age 82, a resident of Tewksbury for 53 years, passed away at his home in the care of his family and hospice on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
He was the beloved husband of Susan A. (Howard) Riessle, with whom he celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on November 4, 2023.
Born in Concord on September 21, 1941, he was the son of the late Roland Robert Riessle and the late Edith (McCracken) Riessle.
Paul was raised in Bedford and Chelmsford. He attended local schools and graduated from Chelmsford High School.
In 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War Era. During his military service, he received training at several bases including the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago, Illinois, Cecil Field in Florida, aviation mechanic school in Memphis, TN, Anti-Submarine training in San Diego, CA. and the Patrol Squadron at Moffett Federal Air Field In Santa Clara, CA. Paul was honorably discharged from active duty on October 16, 1964, having earned the Good Conduct Medal and the rank of ADR2, Aviation Machinist Mate E-5.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 35 years as an airplane mechanic by Trans World Airlines (TWA) at Logan International Airport in Boston. Following retirement, he worked as a small engine mechanic at CJ Lawnmower in Wilmington.
He was a member of several area organizations including the Tewksbury American Legion Post, the Tewksbury Rod & Gun Club and the Massachusetts Treasure Hunting Association.
In his spare time, he enjoyed numerous outdoor activities, including boating and water skiing at The Lake House on East Lake Waushacum in Sterling, MA. Paul enjoyed an adventurous spirit and at the age of 70, he took up skydiving and parachuted out of an airplane.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Brenda L. Gallagher and her husband John, of Billerica, Karen L. Delong, of Lowell, and Jennifer L. O’Brien and her husband Joseph, of Lowell: one granddaughter, Ashley Turri. He is also survived by David Turri of Lowell and Ralph Delong of Lowell. Paul was the brother of Edith Corbett, of Sterling, MA, Wayne Riessle, of Washington, NH and the late Philip Riessle and Robert R. Riessle. He was also the step-son to Lois Riessle.
He leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family members and close friends including Terry and Velma Neff, of Alton, NH and Elsie Howell of Tewksbury.
Calling hours are Tuesday, December 5, from 3-6 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury, immediately followed by services to be held at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Cancer Center at Massachusetts General Hospital at www.massgeneral.org or to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm, at www.mspca.org