Peter Daniel Riesel

Peter Daniel Riesel, 50, of Herkimer, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, and moved on to the next chapter.

Pete was born October 24, 1974, in New Hartford, New York. He was a machinist by trade and worked at Remington Arms in Ilion for many years and at Ball Corporation in Saratoga Springs.

Pete is survived by his mother Constance Hadsell Birdsall and her husband Bill Birdsall of Ballston Spa, his father Daniel Riesel and wife Mary-Margaret Riesel of Titusville, Florida, his brother Christopher Lucas of Ballston Spa, sister-in-law Missy Riesel, nephews Jeffrey Riesel, Daniel Riesel, Brent Riesel. and his long-time lady, Stacia Sheehan of Saratoga Springs.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Riesel of Ilion, and his beloved dog, Duke.

Pete lived life his way and on his own terms. He was a lifelong Grateful Dead fan and traveled throughout the country for many years on "tour". One of his most treasured travels was to the Haight-Ashbury District in San Francisco to see the "house" where it all began. He also took every opportunity to see the Dark Star Orchestra near and far. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and enjoyed his Sunday football days, chicken wings, and Utica Club beer. Pete was a true outdoorsman and was the proud holder of a lifetime hunting license. He was a great cook and the grill master of perfection. He was a local member of SAL, Post 25. Pete will be remembered for his strong will, honest wisdom, and a life well lived.

Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest places, if you look at it right.

                                What a long strange trip it's been.

A celebration of life will be held at Crossway's Bar & Grill on November 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM. 123 E. Clark Street, Ilion, NY.

Funeral arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter Daniel Riesel, please visit our floral store.