Ralph J. Riel, 89

ADAMS, Mass. —  Mr. Ralph J. Riel, 89, of Adams, died Thursday evening, December 8, 2022 at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield. He weas born in Adams on September 22, 1933, the son of the late Arsene and Veronica (Paradysz) Riel. He attended Adams schools, and graduated from the former St. Joseph High School in North Adams as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1951. He graduated from the General Electric Apprentice Program in 1955 and worked there as a design draftsman for 29 years until retiring. He was a communicant of the Parish of St. John Paul II in Adams and was a member of numerous philatelic organizations. He is survived by his sister, Rita Chwalek of Adams; two nieces, Theresa Dudziak and her husband, Guy, of Adams, and Connie Kuramoto and her partner, Hugh, of British Columbia, Canada; grandnieces Rachael Kuramoto and her partner, Glen, of Nova Scotia and Alena Kuramoto of Canada; grandnephew Nathan Dudziak and his wife, Elizabeth of Adams, and great grandnieces Bridgette and Theresa of Canada. Funeral services and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Adams Free Library, 92 Park St. Adams, MA 01220. The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, Adams, in in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com