Wallace E. “Wally” Riegel, 90, of Lorain, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 28, 1927 in Akron, OH and he moved to Lorain where he was a lifelong resident. Wally graduated from Lorain High School, Class of 1946 A. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII and served from 1946 until his honorable discharge in 1949.
Wally married his beloved Jeanne E. (nee Smith) on August 13, 1951 in Angola, IN. He worked as an Engineer Fireman at Lake Terminal Railroad for 10 years and as a Stationary Engineer in the Powerhouse at the Lorain Ford Plant for 33 years until his retirement in 1992. Wally was a member of the former St. Joseph Church of Lorain and the American Legion.
He was very active with the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame and he was inducted in 1974 as a member of the 1943 Lorain High football team, the only undefeated team in city history. Wally enjoyed watching all Cleveland sports teams, but his absolute favorite was the Ohio State Buckeyes. He loved to fish and participated in all sports, especially with the neighborhood kids.
He enjoyed spending most of his free time with his family, including teaching his grand-furkids new tricks. Everyone loved his huge Christmas light displays at his home. He is survived by his children, Michael “Mickey” Riegel of Lorain, Thomas (Jean) Riegel of N. Olmsted, Linda Baker of Kimbolton, Lorraine “Lori” (Rich) Kapalin of Lorain; special sister-in-law, Elia Riegel of Lorain; grandchildren, Jennifer Maston, who was raised by Wally and Jeanne, Brad Herda, Megan Taliano, Brandon Riegel, Alex Riegel, Vicky Riegel, and Elizabeth Vertosnik; and 16 great-granchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Jeanne E. Riegel in 2017; his parents, Norman and Violet (nee Park) Riegel; 3 brothers, Donn, Francis, and Norman Riegel; and son-in-law, Gary Baker. The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Closing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 9:20 AM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 21, 2018 at St. Vincent dePaul Church, 41295 N. Ridge Road, Elyria, OH, Fr. Donald H. Dunson, Pastor, officiating with Deacon John Slatcoff, assisting. Christian burial services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain, OH with military honors.
Online condolences and gifts of sympathy may be shared with the family by using www. rsgfuneralhome.com.
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