George W. Riegler

West Leyden - George W. Riegler, 87, passed away after a short illness on Thursday, February 26, 2009, at University Hospital in Syracuse. He was born in Rome on February 21, 1922, to Philip and Elizabeth Ann Thorn Riegler. He grew up in Rome and received his education at Rome Free Academy. Mr. Riegler was employed by Revere Copper & Brass until entering the U.S. Army on November 12, 1942. He served in the European Theater of WWII and participated in the Rhineland Battle. On February 5, 1946, George was honorably discharged from the Army and returned to his employment at Revere. Mr. Riegler soon established his own home construction and masonry business which was based in the town of Lee. From the 1950's through the 1970's he constructed many homes in the grater Rome and town of Lee areas. In 1978, Mr. Riegler retired from the construction business and purchased the Salmon River Inn in Osceola (now known as the Osceola Hotel) which he operated until 1984. On December 15, 1978, Mr. Riegler was united in marriage with Marilyn Mathis at St. Mary's Church, West Leyden. Mrs. Riegler died on May 7, 2005. Mr. Riegler was a member of St. Mary's Nativity Church, West Leyden, and Charles J. Love Post #406 American Legion in Boonville. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Sophie Riegler of West Branch; a sister, Lois DePasquale of Rome; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was predeceased by five sisters, Ernestine Cole, Mabel McBurney, Luella Zike, Elizabeth Pritchard and Shirley Scherz; and three brothers, Frederick, Franklin, and Philip. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:15 a.m. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street. Boonville, and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Nativity Church, West Leyden, where the Reverend Lawrence Marullo, pastor, will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with military honors will be in the spring in St. Mary's Cemetery, West Leyden. Calling hours are Sunday 1-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewis County Humane Society, 6388 Pine Grove Road, Glenfield, NY 13343 or to the West Leyden Fire Co. Ambulance Fund.