Robert Theodore Riederer Sr.

1931 - 2025

Robert Theodore Riederer Sr., 93, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away from pneumonia on January 8, 2025 at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothee Adele Didden Riederer, and his parents Maria Wasl and Willibald Riederer. Neither dementia nor illness diminished his trademark sense of humor and wit. He made his loved ones laugh throughout his long life up until the day of his death. Born in Brooklyn, New York on February 14, 1931, Robert was a Korean War veteran. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1949 and achieved the title of Senior Aircraft Instrument Mechanic and rank of Airman First Class. During the war, he specialized as a P-51 Mustang mechanic. After the war, he earned an AB, BS, MS and an MA from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, New York University, and Georgetown University. An electrical and microwave engineer, Robert worked for Loral Electronic Systems, Sperry Gyroscope, and Fairchild Industries before serving the bulk of his professional career with merit and distinction at the United States Defense Intelligence Agency. A lifelong student with an insatiable hunger for knowledge he received his MA from Georgetown at the age of 51. He was an avid learner of languages throughout his life. Robert is survived by his brothers Al, Hans, and Alfred, his children and their spouses Anne (Tom) and Ted (Rose) and four grandchildren. The family is forever grateful to his caregivers Rose (Nwafor), Pat, Esther, Destin, Andrea, and Steve. Burial will take place at Congressional Cemetery on February 21, 2025 at 1 p.m. Robert cared deeply about children affected by hunger and war. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Hope for Honduran Children Foundation, CARE USA, or War Child.