Date of death: 9/17/2012
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1955
Bernard George Riegel age 82, of Miami Township, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, a loving husband, father and grandfather, an active member of Saint Henry Catholic Church for over 38 years and a teacher at the high school and college levels, passed away Monday, September 17, 2012 in his home with his family at his side after a two year battle with cancer. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents: Bernard and Anna and one brother: Joe. He is survived by his wife of 42 years: Mary Jo (Neiheisel); his children and their spouses: Christopher and Kathy Riegel, Amanda and Don Mascarenhas and John ‘Tony’ and Amy Riegel; sisters: Dolores Keller and Helen Noel; brothers: John and wife, June and Robert; a sister-in-law: Judy Riegel; four adorable grandchildren who always brightened his life: AnnMarie, Kate, Aida and John; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Bernie was an avid reader, especially history and was a life long teacher, reverting to the teaching mode at any point in his life with anyone at any time. He had a quick wit with a dry delivery and always had an answer or comment that made people laugh. His first love was the Catholic Church. He was a graduate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Seminary and School of Theology with an extremely broad and well rounded education earning a Masters Degree in Education and a PhD in Human Behavior. He served with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for 10 years before moving to Cincinnati where he taught at Walnut Hills High School. In Dayton he taught at the University of Dayton, Wright State University Medical School Gerontology Program and also was a Gerontology consultant. After retirement he taught part time at Sinclair Community College. Bernie was a product of the Depression and as a result was the original saver, recycler and repairman. He used this knowledge as an apartment owner for many years. Many of his tenants became good friends. He spent the past few years researching and writing a book. He was fascinated by other cultures and enjoyed traveling and learning about other peoples. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered in Saint Henry Church at 11 AM on Saturday. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitations will be at Harris Funeral Home, 49 Linden Avenue, Dayton (937)253-3129 on Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 PM and the following morning, Saturday, from 9 to 11 AM in the narthex of Saint Henry Church, 6669 Springboro Pike. In lieu of flowers, an expression of sympathy may be made in Bernie’s honor in the form of donations to: Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Seminary and School of Theology, 100 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN 47577 and to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton 45420. Envelopes will also be available at the visitations. Bernie was near and dear to his family and friends and will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace.Published in the Dayton Daily News.