Frederick C. Riel

Frederick C. Riel, 93
     OLD ORCHARD BEACH -- Frederick C. Riel, 93, a resident of Fern Ave., passed away Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford.
     He was born on Oct. 31, 1914, in Colrain, Mass., the son of Ovila and Eva M. Pelletier Riel. Fred was a graduate of Turners Falls High School, class of 1934. He and his twin brother Fran were noted athletes in school. In 1938, Fred graduated from the University of Massachusetts, where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He was the captain of his college baseball team for two years and later went on to play semi-pro baseball throughout the Northeast.
     Mr. Riel started his teaching and coaching career in South Deerfield and Andover, Mass. He later became the principal and superintendent of schools in Hadley, Massachusetts. He was also superintendent of schools in Billerica, Massachusetts for 18 years, and was responsible for the building of several schools while he was there.
     In 1973, he moved to Old Orchard Beach with his wife Ellen to retire. Fred was a college official for football and basketball for 20 years. He enjoyed walking, fishing and gardening. He was a founding member of Merrimack Education Center and held membership and leadership roles in the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club and Rotary Club. Mr. Riel was a parishioner of St. Margaret's Church in Old Orchard Beach.
     He was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Ellen A. Milkey Riel, on Dec. 21, 2006. He also was predeceased by one daughter, Lauraine M. Riel; one grandson, John F. Riel Jr.; five brothers, William, Joseph, Henry, George and Francis Riel and two sisters, Marie Verrier and Lena Care. He is survived by one daughter, Sharlene E. Locker of Chelmsford, Mass., one son, John F. Riel and his wife Diane of Billerica, Mass.; two grandchildren, Michael Locker and his wife Karen, Laura Beaver and her husband Jeff; six great-grandchildren, Jacquelyn, Danielle, Hannah, Andrew, Alyssa and Jason; several nieces and nephews; and long time friends, the Rev. Coleman O'Toole and Jerry Shea.
     A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, at St., Margaret's Church in Old Orchard Beach. Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, in St. Anne's Cemetery in Turners Falls, Mass. Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home, Saco.
    Frederick C. Riel