John Riediger

John R. Riediger NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - U.S. Navy retired Cmdr. John R. Riediger passed away peacefully June 30, 2008. Born April 4, 1916, to Herman and Lena Riediger of Coatesville, Pa., he married Clementine "Tina" Rogalska in 1945. He was the devoted father of Harry F. (Fran) Jones of Mount Ephraim, N.J., Robert G. (Suella) Jones of Chesapeake, Julie A. (Riediger) Auwen of Prescott, Ariz., Janet R. (Riediger) (James) Carter of Four Oaks, N.C., and John R. (Jackie) Riediger II of Goose Creek, S.C; and son-in-law, James Powell of Saluda, S.C. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. His wife, Tina; daughter, Mary Ellen Powell; and brother, Herman, preceded him in death. Cmdr. Riediger was raised in Coatesville, Pa., and joined the Navy in September 1935 as a seaman apprentice. In 1947, he graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio under the Navy Five Term Program and became a "Mustanger." His 35-year Navy career took him around the world and involved him in many notable world events such as his presence in the Atlantic Pacific during World War II and he was the first naval officer (as a self-appointed Naval Attache') to General Krueger (U.S. Army) to participate in the first inspection of Hiroshima. He was part of the American Theater campaign, the Asiatic Pacific Theater and the Philippine liberation. He received many military medals for such events as the Secretary of the Navy Accommodation Metal for Battle Efficiency "E" (Exellence) and medal for "Navy Occupation" during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Blockade of Cuba. He also received the American Defense Medal (with star), World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (with star), the Navy Expeditionary Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He was also involved in the at-sea space craft and astronauts' (Cooper, Conrad Jr., Schirra, T. Stafford) recovery in 1965. He was the "Skipper" of three Destroyer Escorts, namely: USS Woodson, USS Basilone and USS Rich. He closed his 35-year naval career as executive officer of the AOTU School Amphibious Base, Little Creek, retiring as a full commander June 30, 1970. Cmdr. Riediger enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts for many years, himself an Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver Award for his contributions. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, golfing and bowling. He was sought after for his deep singing voice participating in the school Glee Club when he was young, in church and in church choirs. He enjoyed playing the accordion, piano and organ. He was an active member of the St. Pius X Catholic Church in Norfolk for 45 years where he was a member of the Men's Club and choir. In South Carolina he became a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Hollomon-Brown Bayside Chapel, 1457 Independence, Virginia Beach. The Liturgy of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Norfolk. Interment will follow with full military honors at Rosewood Memorial Park, Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions in memory of Cmdr. Riediger be sent to the American Cancer Society, 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 or to the charity of one's choice.