John W. Rieck Sr.

April 24, 1944 - April 29, 2026

John W. Rieck Sr. passed away on April 29th, 2026, at the age of 82, after a year long battle with cancer.

John was born on April 24th, 1944 to Helen and Albert Rieck in Brooklyn, NY. While growing up in Brooklyn, and later in Albany, NY, he would sell newspapers to help his mom make ends meet. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the US Army, where he served for 22 years, including a tour in Vietnam and being stationed in Germany. He continued to work for the US Government on the homefront at West Point Military Base until retiring after a further 20 years.

John married his loving wife, Sheryl Jocelyn, on September 1st, 1971 in Annapolis, MD. Two years later they would have their only daughter, Heather Rieck. Their marriage would last 43 years, until Sheryl’s passing in 2014.

John was heavily involved in the local community, serving in the Margaretville volunteer fire department as Fire/Police for many years, as well as volunteering with local Boy Scout Troop 80.

John enjoyed camping at Little Pond State Campground, fishing on the Pepacton Reservoir, and woodworking in his spare time.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sheryl, and his daughter, Heather.

John is survived by his sisters, Diane King and Eileen Rieck, his grandchildren, Joseph (Samantha) and Megan Rieck, his sister-in-law Vickie Oneto, and his several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Wednesday May 6, 2026 from noon-2pm. A funeral service and burial will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, any donations in John’s memory may be made to the Margaretville Fire Department.