It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Bruce Riechman, a devoted father, brother, and friend, on November 12, 2024, at 11:09 a.m. at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He was surrounded by his beloved daughters, sister Beth, brother Steve, and cousin Gregg in his final moments, a testament to the close-knit family he cherished and nurtured throughout his life.
Born on October 11, 1948, Gary grew up on the family farm in Irvington, Illinois, where he learned the values of hard work and generosity from his parents, Harold and Georgia Riechman. His brother Steve continues to uphold the family legacy on that same farm today.
At the age of 20, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968, joining in St. Louis, Missouri, and embarking on a journey of service that would take him from Alaska to assignments that spanned the globe. He was honorably discharged in 1976 at age 27, completing a proud and faithful military career.
After his military service, Gary continued working, including a position at Kings Bay, Georgia. During this time, he and his wife, Rosemarie, also volunteered to teach computers at Yulee Primary School, where their daughters were students. Rosemarie, like Gary, served as a sergeant in the Air Force, and they were stationed overseas together during their military service. They later moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories until her passing in 2006.
Gary’s final wish will soon be fulfilled, as he will be laid to rest alongside Rosemarie in Arlington National Cemetery, reuniting their spirits for eternity. Service dates to be announced.
In recent years, Gary resided in Mt. Vernon and Benton, Illinois, where he continued to touch the lives of those around him with his kindness, warmth, and generosity. He was a man of genuine character—the nicest, most giving soul one could ever meet.
Gary is survived by his three daughters, each of whom carries forward his legacy of strength and compassion: Susan, a Navy veteran residing near Seattle; and Maria and Cristy, both living near Philadelphia. He also leaves behind his brother Steve, sister Beth, and a devoted extended family who will miss him deeply.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at the local VA, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Hughey Funeral Home for their assistance in burial preparations, and all the friends and community members who supported Gary over the years. Your kindness and compassion meant the world to him and his daughters.
In Gary’s honor, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the local VA to help support veterans in need, continuing his legacy of service and care for others.
Gary will be remembered not only for his dedicated service to his country but for the love he selflessly shared with family and friends. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
