Warren H. Riegel OD

Dr. Warren H. Riegel, “Doc”, 90, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024. 

Born on February 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Henry and Louise (Kapella) Riegel. 

On February 18, 1961, he was married to Mary Louise Fairweather, who survives.

He graduated in 1959 from the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree. After serving in the Navy, he opened his practice in Ridgway where he worked until he retired in 2019.

Warren’s life was one of service. He jumped into active participation in the community and the First Presbyterian Church, sitting on boards and participating in the Lions, Boy Scouts, Layman’s Breakfast, Ridgway Ambulance, Barbershop, Ridgway Fire Department, and Elk County Concert Choir; among others.

In the 1970s, by faith in Christ, he began a life mission to serve the poor in other countries. He collected used eyeglasses for dispensing on missions in Latin and South America with Medical Ministry International and Eye Care International. This expanded to determining the eyeglasses prescriptions and entering them into a computer (up to 4000 pairs per project) from the Lions’ Clubs in western PA and NY. His humanitarian service involved his family as well as volunteers that live locally and in Ohio, sorting and cleaning glasses, and supporting his trips in prayer.

He went on a total of 76 missions to many countries including the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Liberia, Nicaragua, Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Jamaica, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. Through all the years, his enthusiasm for serving God on the next mission was never exhausted.

He was a faithful and loving husband and father who was always there for his kids. He enjoyed being with them, especially camping, canoeing, and sailing, and attending their sporting events. When visiting relatives, he found ways to serve and contribute – while having fun!

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Lou; his children, Jane Riegel (John Jairo Ruiz) of Marlborough, MA, John (Sylvia) of Newark Valley, NY, Peter (Barbara) of Greenville, PA, and Ruth Shoemaker (Scott) of Charlton, MA; his grandchildren Heidi, Leanne, Allison, Colleen, Renee, and Jessica Riegel, and Hayley and Nathan Shoemaker; and his brother, Roy (Patrice). 

In addition to his parents, Warren was preceded in death by his brother, David.

Deuteronomy 31:8

A memorial service will be held on August 24, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, 119 Center St, Ridgway, PA at 11AM with a luncheon afterwards. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Medical Ministry International US, PO Box 17593, San Antonio, TX 78217-9998 or Eye Care International, c/o Phil Loar, 7136 Parkview Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22042.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com