Walter J. Riegel Jr.

Walter “Jerry” Jerome Riegel, Jr. will be remembered for his easy going nature, enduring love of friends and family, and lifelong commitment to his favorite team, the Buffalo Bills. Known to his nieces and nephews as “Uncle F-bomb”, Jerry was truly one of a kind. Jerry passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center surrounded by family on the evening of June 20, 2024. Jerry was a loyal friend to many from a variety of social activities throughout his life, including basketball leagues, family ski trips, Lake George baywatch, the La Serre gang, and his beloved men's breakfast club. With over 50 years in the railroad contracting business, he also had many friends through his work and the coffee shops and delis along the way. Jerry was a proud railroad contractor who spent over five decades in the construction business, following in the footsteps of his father. The family businesses included Atlas Contracting, WJ Riegel and Sons, Inc, and most recently WJ Riegel Rail Solutions, LLC. Jerry and his brother John also owned and operated the Upper Hudson River Railroad in North Creek, NY from 1999-2010. Jerry was born on November 20, 1942 in Yonkers, NY and grew up in White Plains. He remained deeply connected to his Alma Maters and the friends he made at St. Bernard’s Grade School, Archbishop Stepinac High School, and Niagara University. Jerry was the middle of three children born to Walter Jerome Riegel, Sr. and Dorothy Corkery Riegel. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Patricia Shea and her husband Dan Shea, and his beloved son Kevin Riegel. Jerry’s idea of an adventure was a long drive with fun music, circuitous “short cuts”, and local cafes. He instilled this love of geography, navigation, and exploration in his children and threw the best Bethlehem Central High School football parties. Until recently, Jerry made annual journeys to Teton Valley, Idaho to visit his kids: Jerry Riegel (Brigid Sinram) of Driggs, ID and Cindy Riegel of Victor, ID. Their mother, Maureen Riegel, also resides in Driggs, ID. Jerry’s three grandchildren were his pride and joy: Skylar White (20), Declan White (17), and Emmett White (13). Recently, he was able to spend precious time with Skylar on her travels to and from St. Lawrence University, a drive he knew well from taking his daughter there over 30 years ago. Grandpa also nurtured a couple of new Buffalo Bills fans in Declan and Emmett. Jerry is also survived by his brother and long-time business partner John Riegel; favorite sister-in-law Barbara Riegel and their five children all of Delmar, NY: Erin Svare (Mark), Katie Urban (Matt), Emily Field (Jon), Patrick Riegel (Kristen), and Mackenzie Riegel (Linnea). Pat and Dan Shea’s children include Richard Shea (Molly) of Denver, CO and Chris Shea, Kelly Shea, and Tim Shea of Jacksonville, FL. The Riegel's of Delmar provided a loving network of support for Jerry through a series of difficult health issues over the past three years, including delicious meals, a special 80th birthday party, and a plethora of hand-made cards and goodies from his 15 grand nieces and nephews. Jerry’s last adventure was completing one of his infamous drive-by jobsite inspections at the Port of Albany where the WJ Riegel Rail crew was installing a series of grade crossings. We take comfort in knowing that Jerry is watching from above, taking copious notes for jobsite improvements, and criticizing every trade the Bills’ front office is making. Donations in Jerry’s name can be made to: Dup15q Alliance 250 N Trade St, Ste 205 PMB 155, Matthews, NC 28105 A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at The Clear Mountain Room at Indian Ladder Farm on August 30 from 4-7pm with toast to Jerry at 530pm.