RIEHL, ROBERT

RIEHL, ROBERT Robert "Rob" Riehl, a beacon of joy and wisdom, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2023, in Camden, NJ. Born on April 11, 1939, in Elizabeth, NJ, Rob's 84 years of life were marked by an unwavering spirit of kindness, generosity, and love for learning. Rob is lovingly remembered by his cherished wife Dianne, his daughters Marisa (Andrey) and Emilia (Bryan), sons Christian and Nicholas (Sherry), and his "bonus" daughter Robyn Ryder (Darron). His legacy continues through his adored grandchildren Carina, Grace, Brandon, Ian, Dylan, and Valerie. He was a beloved brother to Virginia Salvi, John "Jack" A., Daniel J., Terrence E., and Christopher J. Riehl. Rob was a caring uncle to his many nieces and nephews, though he was preceded in death by his nephew Michael C. Ebel and niece Elaine Riehl. Rob's passion for education was evident in his extensive academic achievements, having earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in English from Seton Hall University. For over 35 years, he inspired countless students as a high school English teacher at Chatham High School. His commitment to community service shone through his involvement in various associations, including his dedicated role in the Coast Guard Auxiliary (Cape May), tour guide duties with Cape May M.A.C., volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Wreaths Across America, as a member of Kiwanis Club, missionary trips to Honduras and his spiritual contributions as a deacon/advisor (exact church name withheld for privacy) in North Jersey. Rob's faith was a cornerstone of his life, evident in how he lived his life every single day, his participation in a weekly men's Bible group, a profound trip to Israel-Jerusalem in 2019, teaching CCD, his compassionate work reading the Bible to and counseling hospital patients through Christ the King Reformed Presbyterian Church. An enthusiast of nature and the arts, Rob's garden was a testament to his green thumb, and his love for classical music was reflected in his once large record collection. Bird watching, sailing, the beach, eating his wife's cooking/baking, spending time with those he loved, engaging in both indoor and outdoor gamessome of which he inventedwere among his many favorite activities. Rob held a profound appreciation for aquatic life, maintaining a 100+ gallon freshwater tank in his younger years and had a koi pond at his current home. He enjoyed classic movies and shows, such as "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" (watching with his daughters using the Burger King 3-D paper glasses) and "The Twilight Zone." He was an avid reader with an insatiable love for learning. There wasn't a subject or activity he wasn't interested in trying or learning about. Rob was also incredibly creative and could draw anything at a moment's notice (per his children's request). He would come up with ingenious ways to save money, including constructing a homemade baseball tee for his one son from extra brick, concrete, and PVC piping. He was incredibly industrious; always working and "going." However, he treasured his leisurely "Tea Time" and "Happy Hour" every day with his wife in their home. He loved his family deeply, loved Cape May, and loved life. Holidays were a special time for Rob, and his creativity came alive as he concocted elaborate haunted houses, ingeniously hid Easter eggs, and happily grilled for the Fourth of July and Labor Day. When his children were younger, he made Thanksgiving and Christmas meals from scratch. He loved food and he loved sharing it with others. His potato/blueberry/banana pancakes were a testament to the love he put into everything he did. Amid life's challenges, he never complained, instead choosing to find the "blessing(s)" in every situation. A man of faith and boundless positivity, Rob was the epitome of being "faith-filled, kind, and generous." Rob's spirit and teachings will continue to resonate with all who knew himwhether it be his family, his friends, his students, or even his beloved dog Luna and all the pets that graced his life, including a rabbit "Velvie." His kindness, his dedication to education, his creativity, and his genuine ability to see the goodness in life have left an indelible imprint on the world. His presence was a gift to those fortunate enough to know him. Robert "Rob" Riehl will be deeply missed, but his remarkable legacy of love, kindness, and joy will endure in the hearts of those he touched. He was a man who left a light and warmth that will continue to shine brightly. "Love you now." Relatives and friends will be received on Saturday (January 6th) in the Christ the King Presbyterian Church, 301 Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260 for visitation from 10am until 11am with Rob's funeral service to follow and begin at 11am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: Christ the King Reformed Presbyterian Church, 303 Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260 Kiwanis Club of Cape May, 1041 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204