Edward Rihel

Edward E. Rihel, age 87 passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Hamot Hospital. He was born in Enterprise, PA son of the late Rachel Cookson and Samuel Milton Rihel.

Ed was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II and was stationed on the USS Midway as an Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class. Ed served until July 29th, 1948 when he was Honorably Discharged. He had been employed with General Electric for 24 years prior to his retirement in 1987. He transferred to GE from Cooper-Bessemer in 1962 and assisted in building the first diesel locomotive produced in Erie. He was a member of the Moose Club for 38 years, the American Legion Post 0571 for 30 years, and a lifetime member of the Slovak Club. He and his wife retired to Florida for 25 years, residing in Bartow, returning to Erie in May of 2014. He enjoyed golfing, photography and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his brother Robert Rihel, his first wife of 25 years Astra Eglitis-Rihel, three of their children, Raymond and David Rihel and Sherry Rihel-Gregory.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Lena Mae Wells-Rihel; their children Kenneth Rihel (Deborah), Edward H. Rihel (Pamela), James Rihel, Astra Veronica Rihel, Robert Beardsley, Linda Beardsley-Heliker (Sonny), Barbara Beardsley, David Asel (Jennifer), William Asel (Charidy); 24 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Road, on Saturday, March 7th from 1 pm until the time of service there at 3 pm.

Burial will be in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Memorials may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505.