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John Riemer Obituary

BRISTOL

If you are reading this, I have passed on to another world. Hopefully one where I'm greeted at the entrance by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with a smile. My 71 years on earth have been truly special so I write this as a celebration of my life. I was born on June 5th, 1953, in Bristol Connecticut to wonderful, supportive parents - Frederick W. Riemer, a World War II veteran and, Kathryn R. Riemer, a kind and loving mother. Both were always there for me. Bristol was a family oriented, welcoming city of 60,000 or so; a city that provided me with a good education and plenty of opportunities to expand my growing skills in the games of baseball and basketball. Those opportunities led me to athletic success in school. I was pretty good. What a wonderful time of my life. I was also blessed to be born into a family that included 2 older brothers...Paul and Bob. Both became two of my best friends throughout my life. The same can be said for their children...my nieces, and nephews. Paul and his wife Gail and their children - Abigail and her husband Sean McCurdy and David and his wife Meaghan. Bob and his wife Diane and their children - Emily and her husband Kyle Sisk, Molly and her husband Kevin Carney and their son Kristofer and his wife Alexandra. Additionally, I was blessed with 4 grandchildren, Liliana, Owen, Hudson and Ella. After graduation from college, I was blessed to join the business world and spent 25 years in Retail Bank Marketing, an experience that shaped my organization, planning, and management skills which eventually led to starting our own business centered on tactical planning, budgeting, scheduling, and implementing projects that focused on corporate identity change - re-branding. We were in business for 22 years and for the most part, I loved every minute of it. The true blessing of this business was it gave me the opportunity to work full time with the love of my life, my wife Marianna - a relationship that only grew stronger during our years of marriage. Marianna was my lifelong best friend, strongest supporter, and my true angel. No man could have been luckier with a life-long companion. Children were also a huge part of our 44 years of marriage. Our daughter Kelly and her husband Matthew Sivright have always been loving, kind friends who I share so many common interests with that always kept us very close. Throughout life, Kelly's opinion was always one I sought out, regardless of the subject. Our son Jonathan has continued in our business and has shown great potential to expand it far beyond what it currently is. He may also have had a better 20-foot jump shot than me when he played basketball...but I never admitted that to him. Jonathan's wife Amy has been a loving, loyal and wonderful contributor to our family since. Volunteering in service projects, that helped improve the quality of life of residents in our community was always something that Marianna and I actively sought out. First and foremost, our association with Lions Clubs International and through that, our engagement with the MA Lions Eye Research Fund, the MA Lions Low Vision Network, the Central MA Sight & Hearing Fund and our local Grafton Lions Club gave us many satisfying opportunities to act on behalf of residents and successfully provide them with results that have significantly improved their quality of life. Active participation in leadership at our local church parish was also something we gladly sought out. As I look through this list...I can't help but think what better way to use your "free" time than helping other people improve their quality of lives. I've pretty much covered my entire life in the notes above and I hope you understand why my life was truly a celebration. Sure, there were some tough times. No life is without them. But the people who made my life special (all referenced above) were always there to help guide me through them. I do hope that many of you will join my family, friends, and colleagues at a Celebration Mass at Our Lady of Hope Parish - St. James Church, 89 Main Street South Grafton at 10:30 a.m. on October 5 Saturday, 2024 and celebrate the good fortune that I was given over my 71 years on earth. If you would like to offer a remembrance, I would be honored if you would send it to Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, c/o Dr. James Roth, 49 Stewart Terrace, Belmont, MA 02478 or Our Lady of Hope at St. James Parish at 89 Main St. S. Grafton, Ma 01560 May God bless you all and thanks for being part of my life. John R. Riemer

John R. Riemer

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bristol Press on Aug. 30, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John Riemer

Not sure what to say?





Steve and Kim Teixeira

October 8, 2024

To The Riemer Family: So sorry to hear about John passing. We have fond memories of John when he was our son Little League coach. May the love of family and friends get you through this difficult time.

Gunes Sen

October 7, 2024

We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valuable person, Mr John Riemer. He left a precious effect on my son who came for the young Lions international youth exchange programme. May God bless the Riemer family in this time of sorrow. We believe that our prayers from Turkey will reach him.

Baran Sen

October 7, 2024

While we often do good for our friends and family, it takes a special sort of kindness and warm-heartedness to extend this goodwill to a stranger. John was a special person as such. I met John as part of a Lions Youth Exchange trip, in which he graciously opened up his home and treated me as a part of his family. While my visits were brief, I could easily realize that John was an extremely kind and caring person who cherished life and brought joy to those around him. I consider myself very lucky to have known him and am eternally grateful for everything he has done for me. On behalf of myself and my family, I´d like to offer my deepest condolences.

Brian Danko

October 7, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of John. Although John and I lost touch with each other the last couple of years, I always considered him a longtime friend and enjoyed our many trips to UCONN for the men's games, long before they were a national power. I met John though my dad, as John's father and my dad worked together. Thank you for your friendship and my prayers to Marianna, Kelly and Jonathan, your grandchildren and brothers, Paul and Bob and their families.

Single Memorial Tree

Evelyn Kirby

Planted Trees

Lion PDG David A. Barbour

October 4, 2024

Lion Sue and I, along with the Lions of District 33S, send our sincere thoughts to Marianna and family in the passing of John. His accomplishments and contributions in all levels of Lionism, and his service to his community and for those in need, were many. May he rest in peace.

Single Memorial Tree

Baran Sen

Planted Trees

The Jones' Dan & Lil

October 3, 2024

Sincere sympathy to Marianna & family. John will surely be missed in our community. Both He & Marianna were a so very generous with their time, talent and treasures.
John may you rest in peace.
Marianna & family, may God help heal your broken hearts as only He can do.

Arthur & Christine Papazian

September 15, 2024

Marianna & Family,
We have nothing but wonderful & respectful memories of John. He was a wonderful man, friend, & community leader. Always positive, friendly & classy. He will be missed and thought of forever. God Bless.
Artie & Christine

Chuck Furey

September 9, 2024

I was in John´s class class of 71. He was a great ball player. Really nice guy. Also had the pleasure of seeing him at the Saint Paul´s golf tournament this year. Family is so important and it´s good to see. He had a lot of it and will be sorely missed.

Nick Spinelli

September 5, 2024

I went to high school with John in Bristol, CT. John was one of the most positive people I have ever known. Locker room banter was what I remember most. I had contact with John after 50 years helping locate St. Paul High School alumni a few years ago. My prayers are for the family. John is at peace with the Good Lord.

Single Memorial Tree

Liz Pinto & Family

Planted Trees

Bob Blair, Secretary, Berlin Lions

September 2, 2024

Our condolences to Marianna and all of John´s family from those of us in the Berlin Lions Club. We enjoyed his visit with us two years ago when he and Marianna broke bread with us at one of our regular club meetings.
I imagine he´s already an integral part of the activities of the Above and Beyond chapter of Lions Eternal.
May we all hope to emulate his work and example as a dedicated Lion.

Debbie and Don Chouinard

August 30, 2024

Marianna, so sorry to hear of John´s passing. Our condolences to you and the family. May his memories bring you Comfort. He was a special member of the Grafton community and will be greatly missed.

Khuong Nguyen

August 29, 2024

Khuong Nguyen

August 29, 2024

Khuong Nguyen

August 29, 2024

John is truly an icon of Lionsism, embodied the spirit of service and dedication that defines the heart of this remarkable organization.
His unwavering commitment to helping others, even in his weakest moments or the darkest nights, was nothing short of inspiration. He devoted his time and energy selflessly, making a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals from providing low vision devices for the blinds to assisting us to obtain a service dog for a MS patient. His kindness touched us all.

Frank Sutton

August 29, 2024

John,

You were a great friend and mentor. Through the Lions you helped me find dedication and service to my community. When I started to doubt myself, you helped me get back on the path of service.

When I became sick and was in and out of the hospital, you spearheaded efforts through the lions to help me and my family keep our heads above water.

You were a true friend, and I will keep you in my heart always, as without you, I would not have found my way and helped change the lives around us, just as you did.

Tara Colaizzi

August 29, 2024

Marianna and family, please accept my sincere condolences on loss of your loved one.
May your happy memories soon outweigh the sadness you're feeling inside. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
What an amazing soul John was.
He lead a remarkable life, giving much of his time to serve others.
I feel very lucky that I got to know John while serving in the Grafton Lions Club together. Although our time was brief, John made a lasting impression. I could see he had a heart of gold.
Thank you John for your dedication to serving those in need. You are the true meaning of what it is to be a Lion. You will be dearly missed by all.
Rest in Peace.

Tina Smith and family

August 29, 2024

There are some people who have lived such loving, compassionate, philanthropic, kind and giving lives, that when they pass they literally leave a gap in the universe. A ripple of sadness, but also, such joyous memories, that their absence is felt so much farther than the space they occupied in life. Walk with God now John, as you'll no longer leave footprints behind you resting in His embrace.

Sharon Pecci

August 29, 2024

It was such fun to share a table with John and Marianna the year she and Tony were governors. The laughs we shared over tartar sauce will never be forgotten. I´ve never met such a strong person. He definitely was one of the best. May his memory be eternal.

Michael Rivera

August 29, 2024

Thank you for your service to our country, and our community Sir. Job well done and it´s now time to Rest In Peace. May God Bless You and your family.
~Salute~
VFW Post 1012, Medford, MA

Tom and Nancy Conlon

August 29, 2024

Marianna and family,
Nancy and I are deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. He was, for sure, one of the best.
Our association with John, at many Lion's functions, over the years was always a pleasure.
While we have not seen him for a few years he was always close to our hearts.
John, you were something special and you will be missed by so many.
Rest in peace my friend.
Tom and Nancy Conlon

Pierre Gelinas

August 29, 2024

It was a pleasure working with John, Jonathan and David these past few years. My deepest condolences to the Riemer family.

Karen and Bill Meyer

August 28, 2024

Kelly and Matt are dear friends of ours and we wish them, Marianna and Jonathan and the rest of the family our most sincere condolences. John was a lovely man and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Karen and Bill Meyer
Bainbridge Island, WA

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Our Lady of Hope Parish - St. James Church

89 Main Street, South Grafton

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