William J. Riehl

Deacon William (Bill) Riehl

What a man, what a life!  Born 8/3/22 on the Southside of Chicago, in the baddest part of town, Bill led an incredibly long and full life.  He attended Quigley Prep and St. Mary of the Lake College in Chicago.  Played on the same high school basketball team as George Mikan. A veteran of the USAF, this member of the Greatest Generation proudly served his country as a navigator during WWII.  While stationed at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, he met his beautiful wife of 66 years, Mary (deceased).  Together, as devout Catholics, they raised their 5 children, Billy (deceased), Stephen (Mary Jo), Mary Anne (Gerry), Joseph (Suzy), and Tony (Siobhan).  Also, beloved grandfather of Tim (deceased, Debbie), Peter (Monica), John (Tricia) Riehl, David (Macy), Tony, and Caity Campos, Hilary Sherman (Dave), Molly Flaherty (Bryan), Amy, Meghan, Michael (Catherina), Elizabeth and John Riehl.  Proud great grandfather to 8.  Special friend to Mary Lou, Sharon and all the loving staff at Carlton Senior Living. An active member of Sacred Heart Parish, Sacramento for over 75 years, Bill also served as a Deacon there for 30 years.  He was extremely proud to be a 45 year employee of Teichert Construction.  He was honored to be a Torch Relay runner for the 1984 Summer Olympics.  Also served as International President of the Administrative Management Society which enabled him to travel the world.  An excellent athlete, he was a local softball legend, playing for over 70 years, and in his 90’s, acting as a pinch runner for players significantly younger.  His profound faith served as a shining example to all who knew him. 

Services are as follows:   Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 14^th at Sacred Heart Church, 39^th and J Streets. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tim Riehl Scholarship Fund at Santa Clara University https://mysantaclara.scu.edu/Giving/Riehl