I hadn't seen Bob or heard from him in probably about seven or eight years, so feared bad news, but kept him on mailing lists for things Starcherone was doing and about Ray's books, in hopes of hearing better news.  This is very sad, because Bob was a beautifully kind soul and multitalented in a way I always felt was very self-effacing.  I'm very sad to hear of his passing.

I only had a few encounters with Bob and all of them were memorable.  First was at a conference on Federman at Kent State U when the two of were conscripted to provide luncheon entertainment for the assembed gathering.  Neither of us knew the other's work then and so didn't know what to expect.  I really loved what Bob did that day -- a mixture of performative texts and harmonica that was funny, smart, and warm -- and the group of some 60-70 nutty academics were laughing and tapping their feet and digging it as much as I did.

I had him out to Buffalo a couple years later for my then-fledgling reading series, The Write Thing.  Bob that nght anchored a student open-mike at the Medaille College library and again didn't fail to impress and entertain, doing so without reliance on the kind of distant self-importance that writers too often display.  Bob was unpretentious, warm and supportive of the students and a real joy to host on every level.

I am saddest that we fell out of touch in recent years, especially in finding out his death was so recent, which makes me think the illness must have been quite protracted.  I always felt though that Bob was possessed of great inner peace and heart, that his ability to connect with others and project the warmth that he did came from a reserve of patience, strength and love.

Ted Pelton

My condolensces to Bob's family. I remember him as writer for New York Press during the early days when it was a writers' newspaper. I remember him as a knowledgeble rare book dealer. I photographed him getting an album autograph from the late Tuli Kupferberg of the Fugs in 2003. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Yes, sorry to see Bob go. It was always fun having him stay here for book fairs and such, to goof off on guitars, or hang around talking. Laura also enjoyed his company. I never really felt morose after the whole cancer thing started, because Bob would get annoyed if I had a maudlin expression on my face. He would just tell me to stop it! or tell Laura to tell me to stop it!  It was genuinely nice hangin' around with Bob. Just a fun guy. Fond memories. So... so long, Buddy!

Much affection to you, Cris & Sam,

Very sad to hear of Bob's passing today. He'll be missed by anyone who knew him.

Dear Cris and Sam, 
Karen and I were very saddened to find out just moments ago about Bob's passing. We treasured Bob's friendship, humor, kindness, and quirkiness. Booksales, Fugs concerts, and visits to your home in Dansville stand out as strongest markers of those times. With love to both of you, and your journeys ahead.

We were sorry to learn of Bob's passing earlier this month. He was a fine bookman -- a kind and gentle colleague -- who will be missed. Jett Whitehead, ABAA (Bay City, MI)

Very sorry to hear this sad news.  I was very fond of Bob and will miss seeing him at book fairs.

I'm in shock and saddness at the news of Bob's passing, which I just received moments ago. I never had a closer friend. I'm thankful for having been blessed by his presence in my life.  My heartfelt love and condolences to all his family. Bill Thompson (Lakeland, FL)

My deepest sympathies to Bob's Family. He always shared a smile & a story. Very sweet man. He will be missed by many.

To all who wrote such warm thought to Cris, Sam, and Gail and family,..I sending to all of you this picture for you to download for your personal album.
  I remember Bobby when he went to 1st grade school in a London Fog trenchcoat, Thats how i remember Bobby.
Good luck to all who shared his life.
John+

Chris and Sam,  Our sympathy to you.  We are sorry to hear of Bob's passing.  I always enjoyed talking with Bob, the conversation usually centered around Sam.  Bob's eyes would light up.  Fondly, Carol Quibell

Please add to Lois Lehning Kenyon message-Springville, NY

I remember Robert as a boy when I went to school with him at Boston Valley School. I remember him also as a teen at Hamburg Junior and Senior High school. He will always be remembered to me as a kind, talented person. My deepest sympathy to the family.    
         Lois Lehning Kenyon

Chris and Sam, I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved seeing Bob. His quick wit and banter brought a smile to my face everytime I saw him. His love and pride in his family was clearly felt each and every time he spoke of you. A truly talented and gifted man. He will be dearly missed.

To Gail and Family,
With deep felt regret on your loss.  Having lost my brother when he was just 42 I too know the devastation and sadness that you are feeling.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Bob. Bob was certainly a friend that I would have been privilledge to know. I can tell by all the condolences how he was loved and admired by all. Gail is a very dear friend of mine from Florida, whom I have had the pleasure to meet.My sad heart is with you at this time of sorrow.   Joanne

aunt gail, cris, sam, lynette and mary - love you all to pieces. hoping the sadness lessens and the memories of bobby linger on forever. xoxo. - jen

bob, penny, michael and leslie - it was nice to meet you all, although i wish it was under different circumstances. i wish the same for you - that bobby's memory lives on in you all and the sadness in  your heart at his loss lessens a little each day!! xoxo -jen

Words really can't express the emotions I feel at this time. Having shared the stage and book fair booths with him for so many years.. I've been thinking about the adventures we had together all week. It's so good to see the photo's here. My heart goes out Chris and Sam. Yessiree Bob.

I am extremely fortunate to have known Bob. He wore a permanent smile that was gentle, reassuring, & disarming. A true artist in so many ways...My deepest condolences to all the fortunate ones that knew him.

Cris,

I am so so sad and devastated to hear.  Such a loss. I remember your beautiful little wedding and am so glad I got to witness that.  I can see Bob now sitting in my tiny NY apartment at a party singing the funniest most fabulous song he wrote about Skylab Falling On You - such a talent.  I am so sorry.  You and your family are in my prayers and wish you strength.

Dear Chris, Sam, Gail, Lynette, & Mary,
 
May you each find your own special Peace in the wonderful memories , the uniqueness of his very soul,  and knowing he is no longer in pain .
 
We will always remember Bobby as the one of a kind, unique and very special person that he was.
A vast intellectual, philosopher, versatile and talented musician, articulate writer, comedian, witty, passionate keeper of rare books, and world mushroom expert , ;o) 
And possibly unknown to many, he actually discovered the rare Boletus ( Nobilissimus ) mushroom. 
He was our "fungus amongus ", as we remember the laughs we all shared about that . 
 
Rest in Peace Dear Bobby....you touched our lives, and the lives of everyone who knew you !  
With Love and Fond Memories,
Aunt Marcia & Uncle Bum

As friends of Bob and Penny's we send our deepest condolences to their entire family. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time and our hearts go out to each of you at the loss of your loved one.
May he rest in peace.  Carole & Bob Dodge/ Sarasota, Fl.

Lynette:

I am sorry that I was not able to express my condolences in person.  Please know that you and your family are in my thougths and prayers during this time.  

Rob

Dear Cris and Sam,

My deepest heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved husband and father.  Bob was a very special person to me as well and I am glad to have have known and made music with him. I do wish we had remained in closer contact over the last two years, but I had been thinking about you all quite often. O.K., so no more Bob's Drive In's or AOTD reunions but perhaps we can drum one up in loving tribute to this wonderful and brave man who I pray is now enjoying everlasting peace.

Love,
Walter

Dear Chris and Sam--Loving Bob was easy and- --he achieved so many good things in his life.  He held you both in such high regard and love and I admired him for that.  He made such a difference in my life and the lives of my son and husband during hard times for them both.  May you find quiet peace and remember only the good times.  I miss him.  Jacki Dawson (Tucson, AZ.)

My thoughts and sympathies are with you.  Bob was a great friend, and one of the brightest, most talented, and original individuals I have known.  I will always remember him and how much I learned from him.

Chris, I don't know if you will remember me but we met you and Sam many years ago.  I was an English teacher at Hamburg High School and directed the play Pygmalion in which Bob starred as Henry Higgins. Bob was a delightful student and a talented young man who touched my life as both a student and a friend.  My husband and I send our prayers and deepest sympathy to you, Sam and the entire family at this time.

I will miss bob as a great friend. And talented colleague and a great wit. So many memories come to mind. he is indeed woven into the fabric of my life.  My deepest condolences Cris ans Sam
Rich Ceisler

Feeling sad and very blessed to have had Bob and his family as a part of my adventure in life. All 3 of you have been bright lights in Rick and my lives. Thank you and God Bless. Our prayers are with you.

Dear Cris, As I read the other notes here, I begin to see what a remarkable man Bob was. He touched lives in a very special way with his writing and music, and those special touches remain. My heart goes out to you and your son Sam; may sweet memories surround you and bring you peace.
love,
meg

To Bob, Penny, Leslie and the Reidel family.....
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Respectifully,
Mitch Pizzetti

Chris, Sending my thoughts and prayers your way. May God bless you and your family.

Cris, I am thinking of you, Sam and all your family. May the strength of your love for each other sustain you in this difficult time...Lorraine

We never met Chris, Bob or Sam, but we heard a lot about them via Gail ! We wish you all strenght in these difficult times...

I knew Bob in high school through theater and music.  He was a wonderful, creative person; I'm sad to know he left us so soon.   I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, Lee Mulry Dieck

Dear Cris and Sam,
Please accept my sympathy for this dreadful loss.  
Warmly,
Jo

Dear Cris and Sam,

Thinking of  you during this difficult time and sending love and light. I wish I had met Bob but I know from your stories he was a remarkable man. Wishing you both strength and many warm memories to help you through.

Love,
Karen

I am very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kate Dudding

I will never forget having Bob read a story by Samuel Beckett - can't remember the name of the story - but still remember sitting in the Riedel living room while he told the story of the stones in the pocket.  I don't think Beckett could have done a better job.  I value the beautiful memories I will always have of him and the book by Julian Hawthorne that he gave me.  Your spirit is alive in every human being you met. 
My prayers are with his family at this difficult time.  Peace,

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bob Riedel gave the lie to the idea that great artists can't also be great people.  I've been working in music and the arts for over two decades and I've never come across anyone with anything near his writing ability.  It was my great honor to produce some of his last recording sessions and I'll never forget the toughness he displayed by making the trip downstate and finding the strength to perform over 20 songs in one very long session.  I'll always remember his great kindness and keen wit.  I loved him and will miss him very much.

OBITUARIO

Robert J. Riedel

12 junio, 1956 – 1 enero, 2012

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home

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