Obituary of Ronald Abraham Riegle

It is with profound sadness that the family of Ronald Abraham Riegle of Fort Erie, Ontario announce his peaceful passing on September 30, 2025 at the age of 88.

Ron is survived by his wife of 68 years Margo (Kinghorn), son Christian (Patty), grandchildren Kevin, Andrew, Trevor, Justin, Tara, Chantal, and Tabitha and great grandchildren Charlotte and Michael.  He was predeceased by sons Christopher and Timothy, brother Lewis, and parents Raymond and Fern (Zimmerman).

He volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1957 and was stationed at New Orleans for the majority of his service.  After the army, he returned to settle in Fort Erie with his wife and newborn son.  Ron worked as a manager for several Buffalo grocery store chains before venturing into a new career as a machine operator at Canadian Gasket in Fort Erie. In just a few years, with his strong work ethic and attention to detail, Ron assumed the Plant Manager role until his retirement in 2001.

Ron continued his service to the Fort Erie community as he quickly applied to be a member of Fort Erie Fire Co. No. 2. He served for over 30 years and ended his service as its deputy chief when he retired. Ron was one of the 13 founding firefighters who formed the Fort Erie LaFrance Association in 1983 in order to purchase their beloved 1947 LaFrance pumper truck that was wrecked on a fire call during the Blizzard of ’77. The restored pumper is now the centerpiece of the LaFrance Association Museum.

Ron was a man of many outdoor passions over his life.  Depending on the season, he could be found boating all summer with family on the Niagara river, fall fishing for salmon, deer hunting in New York or snowmobiling somewhere in Northern Ontario or Quebec until spring arrived (always too early).

Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Avenue in Fort Erie has been entrusted with arrangements. A closed-casket visitation will take place from 2 pm to 3:30 pm on Monday October 6th at the Funeral Home, followed by a short service before going to McAffee Cemetery for a burial. Everyone is welcome to drop in during the visitation and to stay for the service. Memorial donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and would be greatly appreciated by his family.