Peter Benjamin Riesz, MD passed away on February 27, 2024, at the age of 90. He was born in New York City on March 30, 1933. He grew up and attended public schools in Chatham NJ graduating in 1951, then attended Drew University in Madison NJ graduating in 1955 with an AB degree. He studied at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia PA, obtaining an MD degree in 1959. After internship at Lower Bucks County Hospital in Bristol PA, he served in the US Army Medical Corps at the 34th General Hospital in Orleans, France from 1960-1962 as a general medical officer. He returned to the US for a Radiology residency in San Antonio TX at the US Army Brooke General Hospital from 1963-1966. He then served at the US Army 5th General Hospital in Stuttgart, West Germany from 1966-1969 as chief of x-ray. During this duty period, The American Board of Radiology certified him as a specialist in 1967. After completing eight years of active duty and attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel he resigned his commission to enter private practice, initially at Scott & White Hospital in Temple TX. In 1970 he was invited to join the staff at DeTar Hospital. In 1985 he designed and opened his pride and joy Riesz Referral Radiology, a private office for x-ray services and mammography, where he practiced along with his dedicated employees until retirement in 1997.
Peter was a member of the American College of Radiology, Texas Radiological Society (TRS), Texas Medical Association, and Victoria County Medical Society. He was awarded a Fellow of the American College of Radiology in 1997. He was active in the affairs of the TRS where he served as Historian from 1997-2014. In that capacity, he wrote the book ”History of the Texas Radiological Society” in 2002. He was given a Special Recognition Award from his peers in that society in 2005 and received the TRS Gold Medal in 2014.
Since his retirement, he has been very active in local veterans affairs through the Crossroads Chapter of the MOWW, the American Legion, the Victoria County Veterans Council (VCVC), and the VCVC Honor Guard, where for many years he helped to fold and present hundreds of flags to families of deceased veterans. He personally interviewed many area veterans of World War II, tape-recorded and documented their stories in the book “Victoria Veterans Talk” published in 2004.
He faithfully attended and was a member of John Wesley Global Methodist Church since 2022 and was previously a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. He was a member of Northside Rotary Club for 32 years. He was an Advisory Board member and longtime supporter of the programs of The Salvation Army of Victoria.
His wife of 51 years, Norma Jean Ford of Minonk IL preceded him in death. Also, his parents Robert Richard Riesz and Alice Parrish Riesz, his two brothers Richard Parrish Riesz and John Edward Riesz, sisters-in-law Joyce Riesz and June Riesz.
He is lovingly remembered by his family: wife, Karen Haley Riesz; daughter Nancy Riesz O’Sullivan and husband Sean Kevin O’Sullivan, MD of Victoria, grandchildren Megan Caitlin and Britney Brielle; daughter Laura Riesz Warren and husband Charles Clayton Warren of Houston TX, grandchildren Matthew Scott and Andrea Michelle; son David Alan Riesz, MD and wife Linda Chase Riesz of San Antonio TX; grandchildren Garrett Alan and Blake Benjamin. Also, his sister Roberta Jane Rauch and husband Bruce Gordon Rauch of St. Petersburg FL, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His extended family includes his wife Karen’s two sons and two daughters-in-law, Karen’s seven grandchildren. four great-grandchildren, and Karen’s sister and brother-in-law of Lubbock TX.
The family will receive friends for visitation at John Wesley Global Methodist Church on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 pm, with a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 2:00 pm with Pastor Carl Westbrook officiating. Full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria County Veterans Council will be presented.
Private interment will be under the direction of Rosewood Funeral Chapels.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift in Dr. Peter Riesz’s name to the Victoria County Veterans Council, Salvation Army of Victoria, or John Wesley Global Methodist Church.
Please view Dr. Peter Riesz’s online memorial tribute page at www.dignitymemorial.com where memories and words of comfort and condolences may be shared electronically with his family.
