Paul Joseph Rieker

Paul Joseph Rieker, 75, of Agawam, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in Springfield on September 21, 1946 and raised in Agawam the son of the late Richard and Harriet (Thomas) Rieker. Paul attended Brown University and AIC as an English major and graduate school at UMASS Boston for Critical and Creative Thinking. ”Mr. Rieker” was a fixture in the Springfield Public School system including Kiley, Chestnut, Classical and Central for many years. In addition to being a great teacher he was a dedicated coach of rugby, track, and soccer both to his students and his sons. He was a long standing member of the Springfield Rugby Club as both player and coach for over 40 years. Prior to teaching he worked as a construction laborer for various companies. He was a patron of the Irish Cultural Center embracing a great love of Irish culture, history, and music. He was a parishioner of Sacred heart Church in Springfield. Paul loved to garden, hike, spend time with family and friends and was a voracious reader. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by a sister Martha Lussier. Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years of marriage Maria (Barbieri) Rieker of Agawam and two devoted sons Conor Rieker and his fiancé Caitlin Oelrich of Chicopee and Patrick Rieker of Agawam, and his sister Jeanne Flanders of Poulsbo, Washington. Paul was the caring brother-in-law to Michael Barbieri and his wife Allison of Longmeadow, James Barbieri and his wife Paige of Longmeadow, Ann Flayhan and her husband Tom of Longmeadow, Karen Kennedy and her husband Billy of Wilbraham and Kimmy Manning and her husband Michael of Wilbraham. He was also the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.  A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield. Followed by A Life Celebration Service at the Irish Cultural Center, 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield. Burial will be private.  Arrangements entrusted to the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Springfield Library 220 State Street, Springfield, MA, 01103 or the charity of one’s choice.