Obituary of Joseph A. Riesle

Joseph A. Riesle, age 79, of Tafton died Friday, February 17, 2012, at home. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Barbara Ann Koperna. Born September 23, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph Alphonsus and Helen Marie (Schneider) Riesle. He attended the Air Force Academy and was a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. Together with his wife Barbara, he owned and operated the Old Rangers Inn in Promised Land for many years. Mr. Riesle was a member of BVM Queen Of Peace Roman Catholic Church and the Knights Of Columbus Council 797, Hawley. He was certified by the PSIA as a professional ski instructor for 30 years at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. He was also a locksmith. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter: Christine Marie Burns and her husband John J. of Schwenksville, PA; three sons: J. Scott Riesle and his wife Eloise, Jeffrey Brian Riesle and his wife Patricia, all of Greentown, and Matthew James Riesle who lived at home with his parents; a sister: Regina Ralph of Huntington Valley, PA; and seven grandchildren: Timothy and Alicia Riesle; Courtney, Jack and Andrew Burns; Michael Naughton and Kaitlin Weldon. There will be a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, February 21, at 10:00 AM at BVM Queen Of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 314 Chestnut Ave, Hawley, celebrated by Rev. Richard W. Beck, Pastor. Burial will be in B.V.M. Queen Of Peace Cemetery, Hawley. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, c/o Shawnee Mountain Race Against Cancer, Box 339 Hallow Rd., Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356