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John Rieckers Obituary
Dr. Rieckers, 79, died Aug. 25 at home.
He was born in New York City in 1933 and was raised in Bloomfield. Dr. Rieckers was a resident of Short Hills prior to moving to Convent Station.
After serving two years as a medic in the United States Army, Dr. Rieckers graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison and began a career in chemical sales for Union Carbide Corp. in Piscataway.
He graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1968. Dr. Rieckers ran a family practice in Maplewood for 40 years.
Dr. Rieckers was on staff at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and served as the official physician for the Township of Maplewood for 40 years. He was also the medical director for Winchester Gardens in Maplewood.
He developed and delivered a sales training program for numerous pharmaceutical companies throughout the country.
Dr. Rieckers was a member of Community Congregational Church, serving as a deacon for many years. He was also a member of the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit and the Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis Club in Monmouth Beach
Dr. Rieckers is survived by his wife, Beverly; three daughters, Nancy Gault of Westport, Conn., Susan Voetsch of New Vernon and Sandra Darwin of Needham, Mass; and six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gladney Center for Adoption, attention Nonya Jordan, 6300 John Ryan Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76132-4122. To make a donation online, visit www.gladney.org.
Memories and Condolences
for John Rieckers
14 Entries
Laurene Ann Grimaldi
March 7, 2023
My name is Laurene Ann Grimaldi from Weeki Wachee, FL. I am a third cousin to Dr. Jack Rieckers. Did not see each other often, but thought Jack was a very nice person. His mom, Mabel Ellie & my Grandma Gladys Meigel were first cousins. My dad, Robert Kirch, & Jack were second cousins. I am Robert Kirch's daughter. I only saw this obituary recently. Did not know Jack passed away so long ago. My condolences to Beverly & daughters. With sincere sympathy, Laurene Grimaldi.
Allan Hess
January 26, 2014
hi,,,,i know it's been a while since the passing of Dr. Rieckers,,,,but I just wanted to tell you alittle about him...He always had a packed waiting room along with Dr.Qualters.....I remember going to see him since I was about 7 years old.....He took over for Dr. Traum.....He was a gentleman from day one,,,,when my mom & dad would take me to see him when I was sick ....Like I said;many of nights it was standing room only....I guess when you know what you do is that great,,,there is nothing more to say....I had gastric bypass surgery in 2003,,,,and he over-looked my surgery,,,which I thought at the time was very professional......I remember his nurse(Terry),,,and secretary,,,Jeannie....They were there for a long time.....Wish I knew where they are today.....Would love to say hello.....So,,,Dr.Rieckers,,,I miss you an awful lot.....peace to you & your family.....Allan Hess....
July 11, 2013
So sorry to hear of Dr. John's passing. He was our family physician since the late 60's. He continued caring for my parents until he retired from the Maplewood office..The Gerstorfer family. He was a grat listener, great humor and a doctor that you actually looked forward to visiting...
joseph szpiech
March 25, 2013
My condolences to the family of Dr. Rieckers. He was our family physician since 1982, taking care of my father (until his death in 1997), my mother and me until his retirement from practice. He was a concerned and compassionate physician. He always gave 100% to the treatment of our health issues without hesitation. I have and will use his manner of health care as a bench mark my for all my present and future health care providers. Rest in Peace my good friend....
October 3, 2012
Dr. Rieckers was our family doctor for years. He was a kind, compassionate man who cared for his patients. He always had a smile on his face. I recently heard of his passing from his dear friend and associate Dr. Qualter. Our prayers go out to the Rieckers family.
The Carlyle Family
Chuck Schober
September 16, 2012
Jack,
I'm going to miss you old buddy. It's been 75 years that we've been friends. The first 15 or so we were close physically and the last 60 years it's been through a phone calls and lots of e-mails. You've always meant a lot to me.
Those early years were lots of fun. Playing football in the street, "go to the telephone pole and cut to the center". And playing curb ball. I know you're a good guy because you rooted for both the Yankees and the Cowboys. In the yearly years we would listen to the Yanks on the radio and then as we got older we would go to the stadium, and watch them on television. Those are the good days.
When I got married you I knew your could be the only one to be my best man. And thanks for the offer of liquid encouragement that you gave me before the wedding.
As we grew older we went our different ways. I got married, moved around the country and ended up in California, and you went into the service, college, married, and then became a doctor. But we still stayed in touch. The past years our emails have been fairly steady and I really appreciated the medical help you gave me when I was doing my genealogy research.
From my viewpoint, as the years went on, although physical contact was less and less, my emotional and mental contact with you was quite strong. You remind me of those good days when kids could be kids and we enjoyed each other's company. Played in our backyards with the boxes and underneath the porches, we had lots of fun.
Don't tell me that old men don't cry.
I go to miss you buddy, and thanks for the memories….
Nadine C
September 11, 2012
Dr. Rieckers was my doctor since I was 5 years old (1975). I can say he is the only doctor who actually listened and cared for each of his patients. I still think of him to this day. He will be missed.
Michael Barklage
September 10, 2012
Uncle Jack...Thank you for being my mentor.Our great talks and laughs will always be treasured. If I can be half the man you were. I love you and will miss you!
Daniel Remollino
September 10, 2012
Dr Rieckers was my doctor from when I was a kid until he closed his maplewood office. He was a class act and will be missed. He will be in my prayers. Thanks for all the care over the 30 years you were my Doctor.
Anthony Schillizzi
September 10, 2012
One of the true great doctors. He was the assisting doctor that delivered me in 1969 and took great care of my parents for several decades.
Dr "John" as I always called him, he was a great Yankee fan & in 1993 working for the New York Yankees & Phil Rizzuto, I was able to introduce him and his son in law to Tom Seaver & Rizzuto up in the broadcast booth. It was a great day for all of them ... and myself.
If every doctor today was like "Doctor John", no need for any worry when it comes to health care. He was truly one of the best ... as a doctor and as a person. You'll be missed, Sir.
Sonya Wingate
September 9, 2012
Dr. Rieckers was a great doctor and friend. He took great care of my dad until his death in 1986 and continue to care for my mom until he no longer saw patients regularly. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Ernie and Patricia Kant
September 9, 2012
Dr John ministered to our family for many years. We will always remember him fondly for his caring ways. God bless.
Richard Reiner
September 6, 2012
Dr. Rieckers was our family doctor and friend for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
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