Herbert Joseph Rieth Jr.

1943-2023

On December 22, 2023, a pioneer in the field of improving teacher education for children with learning disabilities passed away. Dr. Herbert J. Rieth Jr., Professor Emeritus, Department of Special Education of the University of Texas, died peacefully after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was 80 years of age.

Dr. Rieth, a native of Newark, New Jersey, made extraordinary contributions to the field of special education. He received his undergraduate and graduate level education from Seton Hall University, Fort Hays State College, and the University of Kansas. He served as Chairperson of Department of Special Education at Indiana University, Professor of Special Education and Chairperson, Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University, and Audrey Rogers Myers Centennial Professor and Chairman, Department of Special Education at the University of Texas. He was known for his skill in strengthening the departments he led through his expertise, humor, and ability to forge connections.

Dr. Rieth’s research and scholarship are well known to special educators and have been frequently recognized. His peer-reviewed publications began in 1972 and included two books, 26 book chapters, and 63 journal papers. His legislative advocacy supporting special education included serving as member and President of the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education legislative committee for six years and testifying before congressional committees on several occasions. Dr. Rieth’s life-long efforts to advance the use of technology to improve special education have established him as a true pioneer in the field.

Outside of work, he loved national and international travel, especially with friends. He had an abiding love of good food, wine, and warm conversation. He had an accomplished, irreverent, and disarming sense of humor, always enjoying a good joke and sharing one. He also deeply enjoyed attending baseball, basketball, and football games with friends.

Dr. Rieth is survived by his wife, Ann Gordon Ferrell Rieth of Lakeway, Texas; his sister, Susan Rooney of Arlington, Texas; son Herbert Rieth III (Tatiana Potts) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; son Loren Rieth (Wendy) of Morgantown, West Virginia; and five grandchildren: Jacob Thornberry, Marlon Beasley, Leroy Rieth, Madeleine Rieth, and Kaiya Rieth.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation – A World Without Parkinson’s.