Bob was born to Margaret Lee Jack and Harold Frank Rieck in Wheeling WV on October 1, 1942. Growing up in Wheeling, he attended Warwood High School, where he proudly played baritone in the marching band under the direction of J Loran (“Chief”) Mercer. He attended West Virginia University and West Liberty State College, playing in the concert band at both institutions, and marching band at WVU. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from West Liberty in 1965. On August 21, 1965, he married Janice Kay Willison. They raised a daughter, Christine, and a son, David.
After graduation from West Liberty, he worked as an auditor for the United States General Accounting Office in Washington DC. Additionally, he served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972. He was awarded his Certified Public Accountant certification in February 1972 from the state of West Virginia. He remained at the US GAO until he retired in September 1995. Over his 30-year career, he not only earned awards and letters of appreciation for his work, but he also gained the respect of those he encountered, earning him privileges and access others wouldn’t receive.
When he retired from the government, Bob wasn’t quite ready to ease into retirement. He secured employment at Walmart, assisting in the opening of the Ellicott City store. He worked there for 14 years, primarily in the hardware department, stocking shelves and mixing paint.
Bob was an avid sports fan. From growing up going to Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games, to moving to the DC area and becoming a devoted Baltimore Orioles and Washington Football Team fan (even in the bad years). Many a weekend were spent cheering on (or griping at) his favorite teams.
One thing that would tear him away from watching sports on the weekends was helping his wife Jan at the many craft shows where she sold handmade doll clothes. Not only did he help with the heavy lifting of set up and break down, but he also actively helped customers, knowing more about dolls and what clothes were for which type better than most men around.
For many years, Bob played on the Tuesday Night Men’s League bowling team at the Brunswick Bowling Lanes in Columbia, serving as the league secretary for several of the last years. He was also known to hit the golf courses in the area, his greatest achievement was hitting a hole in one!
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Harold, and his mother, Margaret. He is survived by his wife Janice, his two children, Christine and David, and his grandchildren, Megan, Rachel, Kyle, and Colin.
Those wishing to honor Bob’s memory may consider donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Diabetes Association.
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