Joseph Robert Riha Sr.

Joseph R. Riha Sr., affectionately known as “Joe” passed away peacefully on December 23, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Donna Riha (nee Plott)for 61years; devoted father of Joseph Robert, Jr., Lisa Marie, and Jay Roger and his wife Lena; cherished grandfather (poppy) of Kylie Riha and Aiden Riha; loving son of the late Stephen and Dolores Riha; dear brother of Stephen Riha, Marlene Baseman, and the late Dolores Lasek, Donnie Riha, Wayne Riha and Millie Riha.

Joe proudly served in the US Army from 1953-1955, spending most of his tour stationed in South Korea. In 1959 he joined the Baltimore Police Department, where he continued his public service for 36 years before retiring in March of 1995, as a sergeant in the K9 division. He loved his work, and he would often tell friends and family many memorable stories about his job and the many interesting people he met through the years. While he didn’t have many hobbies he did enjoy duckpin bowling, reading Louis L’amour or Tom Clancy, watching the Orioles, Colts then Ravens, walking and playing with his dogs and spending time with family.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing and funeral service at the Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc., 610 W. MacPhail Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014. The viewing will be on Tuesday, January 2, 2023 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm, with a funeral service being held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Bel Air Memorial Gardens.