William Leon Rieth

1922 - 2016

Rieth, William Leon

Pittsford: William Leon Rieth, born in Syracuse on November 19, 1922, passed away peacefully with his children nearby at the Highlands Hospital in Rochester on December 27, 2016. A memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford is planned for Saturday, January 7th at 4 pm, followed by a reception at The Highlands of Pittsford. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to UNICEF.

Bill Rieth grew up in Syracuse, the youngest of Johannes "John" G. Rieth and Frances Zopfi Rieth's 8 children. He was only 2 years old when he lost his mother. At that time his sister, Virginia Rieth Schlecht, forsook her scholarship to the Eastman School of Music to help raise the large family. Like his six brothers, Bill Rieth served in the Army, and was stationed in Sens, France during World War 2.

Bill Rieth finished high school at 15 and attended Syracuse University, whose teams he cheered all his life. He earned a full scholarship to Harvard Law School where he met Wellesley student, Martha Coppess. The couple married on October 14, 1949 in Buffalo, NY where they raised their family. He practiced law at Finck & Huber, and became a partner at Phillips, Lytle, Hitchcock, Blaine & Huber.

An Elder, Trustee, and Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, Bill Rieth later worshipped at the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford, where his ashes will be interred.

He was an avid golfer, a fan of the Orange, and star quarterback in touch football games. He did the Times crossword puzzle every day in ink. He was a firm believer that ice cream tastes better when you share it.

Bill Rieth is predeceased by his wife, Martha Rieth (1927-2012), his son, James Lawrence Rieth (1957-1957), his sister Virginia, and brothers Carl, John, Paul, Harold, Donald, and Bernard.

Bill Rieth is survived by his adoring children, Sarah Melissa Rieth, William Christopher Rieth (m. Barbara Mason), Robert Peter Rieth (m. Margaret Steele), David Benjamin Rieth (m. Janet Donofrio); his Grandchildren, William Mason Rieth, Margaret Olivia Rieth, John Rieth, Alexandra Martha Rieth, Amelia Louise Rieth, and Sophia Rose Rieth; his Great-Grandchild, Henry William Rieth; and his beloved nephew Ludwig "Ruggie" Schlecht. Bill Rieth was an exceptional man fondly remembered by all who knew him. Rest in Peace.