Francis P. "Frank" Riehl

Francis P. “Frank” Riehl, of Drexel Hill, PA, a dedicated public servant and beloved member of his community, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, at the age of 88. 

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Francis P. and Elizabeth (née Fennell) Riehl.

A proud veteran, Frank served honorably in the U.S. Army, where he developed a strong sense of duty and camaraderie that would carry through to his civilian career. After his military service, he joined the Philadelphia Police Department, where he served for 26 years and was an original member of the Police Athletic League (PAL). His dedication to safety and justice exemplified the highest values of law enforcement, earning him the respect and admiration of both colleagues and citizens alike.

Frank continued his professional career serving others even after retiring from the Philadelphia Police Department. He worked for the U.S. Marshals Service in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and finished his long, distinguished professional career working as a Court Crier at the Delaware County Courthouse in Media, Pennsylvania.

Born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Frank attended St. Barnabas grade school and then graduated from West Catholic High School for Boys. He lived in Southwest Philadelphia for the majority of his life, where he became very active with the St. Barnabas CYO. Frank was a youth baseball coach for many years and also assisted with the St. Barnabas girls track program. He also developed a strong passion for music and was a member of several drum and bugle corps in the area. 

Frank never turned down a good, friendly card game and enjoyed being a member of the West Catholic Fathers Club. The other pastime that Frank enjoyed so much was bowling. He helped establish the St. Barnabas Bowling League and continued to bowl in leagues well into his later life. 

His ability to connect with people from all walks of life created bonds that enriched his life and the life of others. 

Frank was the beloved husband of the late Ann (nee Gallagher) Riehl, and companion of the late Kathryn “Kay” Lawson. Devoted and loving father of Maureen McKnight (Frank) and Frank Riehl (Geri); the proud grandfather of Frank McKnight (Cate), Meghan McKnight, Madeline McKnight, Ann Evangelist (JT), Frank Riehl, and Grace Riehl. He was also a loving and caring great-grandfather to Lucy , Frankie, and Bryson. Frank is survived by his sisters, Barbara Robinson (Jack) and Peggy DePascale (the late Gaetano), and sister-in-law, Joanne Riehl, and is predeceased by his siblings, Bill Riehl, Betty Brown, and Carol McCarron.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation, Friday, January 3, 2025, 9:30 to 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA 19064, followed by his Funeral Mass, 11:00 AM. Interment thereafter at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.