Obituary of Robert Eugene Rieck

On March 9, 2026, Robert Eugene Rieck, 82, of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, curiosity, and devotion to family.

Born in Hobart, Indiana to Herbert and Ruth Rieck, he developed an early interest in science and engineering that would shape his lifelong career. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University while working various jobs to pay his own way through college and later completed his Master’s degree in Business at Northwestern University.

Early in his career he worked for Union Carbide, where he met his beloved wife, Jeanette Rieck (Griffith). He later joined ARCO Chemical Company, where he continued to develop his expertise in chemical manufacturing and plant operations. His job with ARCO brought him to the Newtown Square area in 1980. He enjoyed playing in an ARCO corporate softball league and bowling in a local league.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, he eventually partnered with a coworker to build and sell a home in Pitman, NJ. He then launched and was the President of a vinyl siding production company named Graywood Products in Coatesville, PA. His generosity was shown to the local community, when he donated the vinyl siding for the local Newtown Edgmont Little League Major League field clubhouse. Over the years he went on to hold several plant manager roles, where he was respected for his leadership, strong work ethic, and practical approach to solving problems.

Outside of work, he found joy in the simple things. He loved watching the birds that visited his yard and took great pride in tending to his garden. He also enjoyed fishing and spending quiet time outdoors. He also volunteered his time with Thresholds Delaware County at local prisons teaching decision making and math skills. He helped numerous individuals pass their GED exam prior to their release. He loved his weekly trips to the Shady Maple and Booth’s Corner farmer’s markets.

He is survived by his son, Derek Rieck, and daughter-in-law Julie Rieck; his cherished grandchildren, Kylie and Alex “Gunnar,” who brought him great pride and happiness; his sister, Karen Rieck; and his brother, Richard Rieck.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Rieck (Griffith), and his parents, Herbert and Ruth Rieck.

He will be remembered as a thoughtful and steady presence in the lives of those who knew him—someone who found happiness in nature, took pride in a job well done, and loved nothing more than spending time with the people and simple moments that mattered most.