Norman F. Riester

1921 - 2018

Norman F. Riester

Saratoga Springs, NY - Norman F. Riester passed away unexpectedly at Saratoga Hospital on Saturday, October 20, 2018 with his family by his side.

Born on March 27, 1921 in Battle Creek, Michigan, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Louise (Stampfler) Riester. Norman was a graduate of Battle Creek High School. He served in the US Army Signal Corp during WWII in the South Pacific, in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon, as a radio operator. He was present in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered to General Douglas McArthur. After the war Norman graduated from Argubright College, Battle Creek, with a degree in Business Administration. He was employed by General Foods Corporation for 33 years as a Personnel and Office Manager in Battle Creek and in Saratoga Springs. After retiring in 1981, Norman established and was CEO/Owner of Personnel Consulting Services, serving many businesses in the capital district in all areas of personnel.

Norman was very involved in his local community of Saratoga Springs. He served eleven years on the Board of Directors for Saratoga Hospital, two years as Vice President; eight years on the Board of Directors for Saratoga Springs Chamber of Commerce; established and served as President of Chamber Personnel Council for area employers; BOCES Advisory Committee and Board of Directors for Saratoga County Boy Scouts of America.

An avid golfer, Norman was a member of MacGregor Country Club and continued playing golf when in Florida until he was in his late 80's.

In addition to his parents, Norman is predeceased by his brother, Grover T. Riester.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years Judith Smith of Saratoga Springs; daughter Kathleen Belanger of Concord, NH; son John Riester of Cape Coral, FL; grandson Alexander Knapp of NY, NY; step-daughters Marybeth Krichilsky and Kerry Sweeney Garcia (Jaime) of Charlotte, NC and Colleen Sweeney of Asheville, NC; step-grandchildren Erin and Jack Krichilsky of Charlotte, NC and his nephew Norman Riester of Battle Creek, MI.

Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 7pm Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Saratoga Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge #161 will gather for a 6pm ritual.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Friday, October 26th at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave. and burial with military honors will follow at 11:30am at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to AmericanVeteransCenter.org for WWII.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.