Joseph Arthur Wilfrid Riel

Joseph Arthur Wilfrid Riel, 97, of North Attleboro, MA passed away at his residence on September 8, 2025, under the care of hospice, and surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Irene "Rita" C. (Ferrante) Riel with whom he shared 73 loving years and who died on July 23, 2023.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on May 11, 1928, he was a son of the late Arthur Joseph Riel and the late Armandine (Gaudette) Riel. He was raised and educated in the City of Pawtucket (RI).

As a member of the local Teamsters Local #251 for more than 40 years, he retired as a long-distance truck driver and warehouse employee.

He was a communicant of the Transfiguration of the Lord Parish - St Mary, North Attleboro, MA.

His happiest times were those spent cultivating his gardens - particularly his tomato plants and sunflowers, times spent doing yard work and being a self-proclaimed "jack of all trades and master of none", although he did build his own residence.

He enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, playing cards with family and friends, and spending Sundays watching football as an all-time New England Patriots fan. However, his happiest times were those spent in the company of family, creating lifelong memories to cherish for an eternity.

Left to mourn his loss are his children: Kenneth A. Riel and his wife, Trish Riel, of West Wareham, MA; Steven A. Riel and his wife, Laura Riel, of Grayslake, Illinois; Gary D. Riel and his wife, Darlene Riel, of North Attleboro, MA and Paula Murphy and her husband, Michael J. Murphy, of South Attleboro, MA; 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; a brother: Armand "Sonny" Riel in Ohio; and four generations of nieces and nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

He was the grandfather of the late Brenton Riel who died in 2007 and was the brother of the late Lucille Terrien, Edna Randall, Theresa Satti, George Riel, Gerald Riel and Raymond Riel.

Family and friends are warmly welcome to attend Visitation on Sunday, September 14, 2025, anytime from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

All are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, September 15, at 10:00 am at the Transfiguration of the Lord Parish - St. Mary, Park Street, North Attleboro, MA.

There will be no funeral cortege from the funeral home prior to the commencement of the Funeral Mass.

Private burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Towne Street, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

Following the Mass, an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of fellowship and refreshments at a location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to one of Joe's favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com. The funeral home can also be reached at 508-695-0200.