George Joseph Rieger, Jr.

George Joseph Rieger, Jr.

Devoted & Caring –

George Joseph Rieger, Jr., 67, of Mechanicsburg lost his courageous two year battle with pancreatic cancer on Monday, March 25, 2013. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 22, 1946, son of the late George J. Rieger, Sr. and Bernadeltha Rieger. George married Rose Adele Rieger on April 25, 1970.

In addition to Rose, his loving wife of 42 years, George is survived by two sons, Christopher Rieger and his wife Ann of Singapore; Kenneth Rieger and his wife Lisa of Summit, NJ; his daughter, Kathryn Rieger of Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Basil, Charlotte, George, Liam and Mabel Rieger; two brothers, John Rieger of Pittsburgh, Richard Batchelor of FL; three sisters, Garnett Gibbon of Murrysville, PA, Rose Ann Turner of Pittsburgh, Valerie Siewerth of AZ; and several nieces and nephews.

George was an exceptionally caring, supportive, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing was more important to him than family. He participated lovingly in family gatherings and events, readily sharing joys and responsibilities, including lengthy and active coaching in community youth sports. He also enjoyed playing golf, and rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mechanicsburg.

After graduating from Duquesne University and serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, George devoted his career to public service and environmental protection. From his first position in the Allegheny County Health Department, he joined the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for 12 years. He then moved to the U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining, where he served for 28 years, while earning a Masters of Governmental Administration at the University of Pennsylvania. He retired in June 2012.

All are welcome to join George’s family at his visitation on Monday, April 1, 2013, from 9:30 to 10:30 at Myers-Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 400 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. George’s family invites everyone to join them at their home following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Morristown Hospital, Carol Simon Cancer Center, 100 Madison Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07962, Attn: Gilbert, or to NY Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Robert Fine Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, 650 West 168th St., Black Building 2004, New York, New York 10032.

George’s family has entrusted his care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read George’s full obituary, share your memories and photos and offer your condolences at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .