Obituaries

Peter C. Rieker, 60

August 16, 2013

Peter C. Rieker, 60, of Lancaster PA entered into rest on August 16, 2013, surrounded at the end by his family and close friends. He was the loving husband of Bridget (Burke) Rieker, with whom he celebrated 27 years of marriage on February 22.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Margaret A. and Edward P. Rieker.
Peter was employed at Susquehanna Bank for 44 years as of June 6th. He started with the bank after graduation from Lancaster Catholic in 1970. Peter graduated from Millersville University in 1975. He worked in various positions at the Bank, most recently as Executive Vice President, Commercial Executive for Lancaster County. Peter was devoted to his customers and was involved in many commercial business and real estate projects throughout Central Pennsylvania.
He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Peter was an avid golfer, most recently a member of Bent Creek Country Club. He stayed as active in golf as he was able to and one of his proudest accomplishments occurred on May 18th, when he finished third in a club tournament with his son Tim as his partner. In spite of many hours of practice, he was still unable to get a wedge airborne before about June every season.
Peter also enjoyed cards with his buddies from Meadia Heights, who recently honored him with a day of golf and cards, for which he was most grateful.
Peter was Lancaster County’s foremost St. Louis Rams fan and enjoyed annual trips to St. Louis to see his beloved Rams. He remained convinced that every year was going to be the break-though year for the team. This year is no exception. He would also tell you that he was a fantasy football expert, although there is no evidence of this.
Peter and Bridget loved to entertain and always enjoyed the company of their many friends.
Surviving in addition to his wife are 2 sons, Timothy E. and Daniel P. both at home, brother Michael of Dunedin FL, brother Edward of Willow Street, close cousin Susan (David) Harnish of Lancaster, nephew Robert (Dawn) Rieker and nieces Erin (Joseph) Whiskeyman and Colleen Harnish.
He was very close to his father in law, Edward Burke with whom he shared many laughs and good times.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to a “Celebration of Life” at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA on Thursday, August 22, 2013 from 6-8 PM. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Friday, August 23, 2013 at St John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA , followed by a burial service at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Peter’s name may be made to: JHU-Survivorship Program for Head & Neck Cancer Patients; Attn: Donna Clare, Johns Hopkins Dept of OTOHNS, 601 N. Caroline St. Suite 6210, Baltimore, MD 21287.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

November 15, 2013

Bridget,  I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I know that I haven’t seen you since high school but I often think of you and miss you.  I only found out recently of your husband’s passing.  My prayers are with you and your family.  Pam (Clark) Vettleson

August 23, 2013

Dear mrs. rieker, Timmy, and Danny,
we are so sorry for your loss!  Your husband and dad was a great and wonderful man! I remember playing basketball in the driveway together and sharing so many memories with you guys. You were like a second family to me! Mr. Rieker was so caring and loving. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. I know we will see him again in Heaven someday.  I know his memory will be with me always! With Love and sympathy, Tony and the klingseisen family

August 23, 2013

Great memories from high school days—so many miss you. Peace to your family.
Julie Bucher

August 23, 2013

Dear Bridget Tim and Daniel.
We are so sorry about the passing of your husband and father.  We just found out today so we didn’t attend the viewing. May his memory live in your hearts forever.  I will let Maria know. She is in CA. We still talk about the days at Brecht.May your hearts be filled with the peace that surpasses all things.
With much love,
The Kostaris Family

August 23, 2013

Bridget, I’m so sorry for your loss!  I know Pete will be greatly missed.  He was a great guy and wonderful dad and husband!  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  I so apologize for not being there at the viewing or funeral.  I was not aware that he had passed away.  

August 22, 2013

Mrs. Rieker, Tim and Dan,
I shared a personal note of appreciation with Pete while he was still with us; however, in case he did not share my sentiments with you I felt it appropriate to share how meaningful it was for me to have had the priveledge to work with Pete professionally. While Pete was certainly in a #’s business and equity and profits dictated many of the decisions made to loan or withhold credit to a business I truly felt Pete went the extra mile. Working with me a few years ago when my new building project went over budget requiring Pete to go to loan commitee for an extension on my behalf. I will never forget the informal meeting we had to clear up just a few of his concerns. After his concerns were addressed he stood up, extended his hand and said “thats good enough for me Jay, I will will take your request to loan committee with confidence”!! Men with Pete’s character are hard to come by these days, he will truly be missed.
With my condolences and kind regards,
 
Jay Garber, President and CEO of Garber Metrology
 

August 22, 2013

Bridget,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss.  Pete was such a wonderful, tender man with a great sense of humor and a fierce loyalty and love for his family.  We have great memories of fireworks parties, basketball parties and games, plus earlier memories of Angela and Timmy in school together all the way back to kindergarten, not to mention Tony’s memories dating back to when he and Pete were in grade school together.  I regret that we haven’t been able to spend time together recently, but health problems and family commitments have gotten in the way.  Please know that we are here for you and the boys for whatever you might need. 
Mandy and Tony Gallello
 
 

August 22, 2013

Bridget, Tim, and Dan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have been blessed to call Pete a friend since 1 st grade. Always a pleasure to have him come in for a cut and share laughs. And of course the golf stories. I even had the pleasure of a couple of rounds with Pete. Such a great guy, sense of humor, and broad smiles will be missed forever.
rest in peace dear friend.
Barb Herr

August 22, 2013

To the Rieker family:  I was saddened to hear of the loss of your husband and Father, Pete.. Pete and I went to high school together and opposed each other on the baseball field in our much younger days.  As a classmate I enjoyed his positvie approach and laughter.  I am sad to learn another person I went to school with left this life..I am sure he rests a peach with the Lord.
Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.  Mike Krushinsky

August 22, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss..  He as a great guy..  We will be thinking about you and your family..  love you all..  xoxoxoxo
Mike and Jodi

August 22, 2013

The sentiments by friends and family are a testament to the kind of person our Pete was. As a father, a husband, a brother and a friend, his memory will live on for a very long time. God Bless you Pete
Ed and Mike

August 22, 2013

My dear friend Bridget & family… So sad to hear of your loss today, but knowing that he is not suffering must be a blessing to you all. Many hugs to you – I have thought of you often these past months and miss you territbly at work!!
Hugs my friend – 
Cindy LougeeMemphis, TN

August 21, 2013

Pete, you were great to work with, and you are a true inspiration, to go from a Part time teller, growing with Susquehanna and becoming a senior leader with the company is a proud accomplishment. I will always remember you Pete and the way you chewed off the end of your pencil or pen. You were a lot of fun on the teller line.
God bless your family.
Den Cook
 

August 21, 2013

I was so saddened to hear that Pete had become so ill and extend my sympathy to all the family of his passing. I was a classmate of Pete’s throughout LCHS and always remember his sense of humor and smiles…he was quite a character! May all the wonderful memories you have of Pete as a husband and Father remain with you always and sustain you in some small way during this heartfelt time in your lives. God bless you!
Carol Kirchner-Vere
 
 

August 20, 2013

It should also be mentioned what a wonderful singing voice Pete had.  We enjoyed his beautiful renditions of many favorites at more than one karaoke night at Meadia Heights.  We will miss your laughter, warmth and sincere friendship Pete.  God speed you on your journey home.
The Gasts – Mark, Marsha, Corey and Rachel

August 19, 2013

I worked with Pete as a teller at Farmers First Bank at Park City when we were both attending Millersville. He was such a cheerful and wonderful person to work with and to know. We shared many laughs and good times when we worked together. I moved away from Lancaster in 1976, so, unhappily our friendship ended then. I was very sorry to hear of his passing, I’m sure he will be much missed by his family and friends.
David Witmer
 

August 19, 2013

My deepest condolences to Pete’s family.  I had the privilege of knowing and working with Pete at Susquehanna.  He was a true gentleman and class act.  He will be greatly missed. 
~Jean Svoboda

August 19, 2013

Mrs. Rieker, Tim and Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss. Pete was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by all. I always had a great time playing golf and talking with him. He was also the number one fan of our softball team, even though I think it pained him to watch us play sometimes, he always came back! The love for his family was always obvious. Please accept my condolences and always cherish your memories with him!
Sincerely,
Tim Eckert
PS – LETS GO RAMS!

August 19, 2013

Hi Bridget,
Has been a very long time since i saw both you or Pete. Living far away, also does not help. I want to express my sincere sympathy to you during this time and will keep you in my prayers. I have been remembering Pete in my nightly prayers since i became aware he was sick, and will continue to remember him. He and i had such fond memories when we were young, times i will never forget, and times that to me seem like it was just a short time ago. Memories that no one can take from me. And knowing Pete I am sure you have many fond memories for you to treasure always. He was a great cousin, and i am most positive he was a very loving husband and Father. At your request, my condolences will also be sent to JHU in Peter’s name.
Jim Rieker, Horseheads NY.
 
 

August 19, 2013

Bridget, currently, both Edie and I are in Michigan visiting our older son and just learned about Pete.  We want you to know how sorry we are and you have our deepest sympathy.  In the blink of eye Pete transitioned to a better placce.  May the peace of the Lord be with you and God’s light shine upon you and your family.
With Sympathy,
 
Denny and Edie Remley

August 19, 2013

To Pete’s family,
Pete was a true gentleman.  My main work site, at Susquehanna, is in Hagerstown, MD.  When I would come to the Manheim office for Board meetings or other meetings, Pete would always have a smile on his face and be most helpful to me.  Sometimes I was looking for a “space” to hang out, sometimes I was looking for information — if there was ever anything he could do to help, he was always willing.  He will be missed.  Please know that his entire family and circle of close friends are in my prayers.
Brenda Keefer – Regional Credit Support Specialist 

August 19, 2013

Tim I am so sorry the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. May the memories of your father help you find peace.
Sherri L Bitts
 
 

August 19, 2013

Bridget, Tim, Dan, and family:
We are so very sorry to hear the loss of Pete. He was such a great man and a great friend growing up playing basketball with Tim. Kevin and I always looked forward to playing basketball at your home and you guys were always so gracious and welcoming. Pete was a great supporter for Manheim Township basketball and it was always great to see you guys in the stands cheering us on.  He is now in a better place at rest and we will all one day see him again.
Kevin and Ryan McHugh  

August 19, 2013

Pete touched us all with his laughter, kindness, and loving ways.  His love for his family, friends and caring for his customers was like no other. Our morning coffee and conversations were a gift.
He is already missed so very much.  May Jesus be with you all.
 
Debbie Heins

August 19, 2013

It’s times like these that I feel Facebook has a positive purpose.  Melissa posted Pete’s obituary on the IDenticard page, where some of us old-timers get updates.  It’s been a long time since I was there, but I certainly didn’t forget you and Pet, Bridget, and your beautiful sons.  You had such a big love between you.  I know he will be missed by many.  My heart goes out to you and your family.  May God hold you very close through these difficult times. 
Chris Calhoun of
Indiana, PA

August 18, 2013

Dear Bridget & Family,
Connie and I offer our deepest sympathy during this time of mourning. Pete should be remembered for the full quality of life that he shared with his family and friends prior to this awful sickness that took his life.

We will remember Pete for his competitive spirit to win, his desire to be successful and his ability to be close to so many people.

God Bless him and keep him until we meet again!

Jim & Connie Eaton

August 18, 2013

Bridget, Tim & Danny.  Please accept our deepest condolences at the loss of our dear friend Pete.  We remember the wonderful times spent with him at parties and get togethers.  He always had a smile on his face and was always ready to laugh and have a good time.  We know that the loss is devastating but the memories will last forever.  May God be with you and comfort you.
 
Janet and Dave

August 18, 2013

Bridget and Family –
You are in my thoughts and prayes.  My deepest sympathies.
Virginia Martin

August 18, 2013

Bridget Honey,   I’m so sorry!!  You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much Love, Ellen

August 18, 2013

I am so very saddened to hear Pete has left this world. He was a dear, good and funny man. I enjoyed his friendly smile and the sparkle in his eyes throughout our years together at LCHS.  He lived a great, but too short, life. 
Susan Simpson Brown

August 18, 2013

I am so sorry for The loss of Pete. He was truly a remarkable man as evidenced by the love he so freely gave to his family and friends and the courage he displayed during the years he fought against cancer.  
Bridget,Tim and Danny: please accept my sincerce sympathy on your overwhelming loss. I trust the lifetime of precious memories you created will help comfort you in the days and years ahead. 
Pete: You are Absent from the body but present with Lord  Rest well and enjoy all the glory that heaven has to offer because you have truly earned it. 
Maureen Sweney

August 18, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family!  We had great times together when our boys played AAU basketball together.  Pete and Tim also had done some of the coaching together.  Great Memories!!  Keep all your memories close to your heart and Pete will be with you.
 
Deb, Matther and Morgan Bartholomew

August 18, 2013

Bridget,Tim,Danny  It’s hard to put into words how we feel about your loss.  Hopefully, in time your memories with Pete will ease your pain and sorrow.  Please know your family is loved.  You are in our hearts and prayers.  Love, Jack, Annette, Dominique8

August 18, 2013

Bridget, Tim and Dan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Pete was a good man and a good friend.  Your words about his life reflect the love and style with which Pete and you llived and live life.
His memory and essence will be with us as we make our annual trip to the cabin.  I am glad Pete approved.
We shard many thoughts over the years ans especially these last few months.  Pete always said how fortunate he was to have a loving, caring family and friends.  In reality, it was us who were indeed the fortunate ones to be part of Peter’s life.
Thanks Pete….and thanks to you, Bridget, Tim, and Dan for sharing you husband and father with me and my family.
Love,
Dick Resh
 

Visitation
Thursday, August 22, 2013
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Services
Friday, August 23, 2013
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St John Neumann Catholic Church
601 E. Delp Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info