Charles “Bud” Riegel, M.D.

Charles Scott Riegel, MD

Charles “Bud” Riegel, MD, age 90, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2022.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Violet and his brother, Robert. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bud was born in 1932 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Donald Riegel, MD and Marguerite Barnes Soars Riegel. He graduated from Episcopal Academy in 1951 and Bucknell University in 1955.
While at Bucknell, Bud met his wife and lifelong sweetheart Violet Bayer Riegel. Bud made an immediate romantic impression when singing and playing the piano in Vi’s sorority house. They were married 1955 and settled in Philadelphia to start their family.
Bud graduated from Hahnemann Medical School in 1958. He served as a captain in the United States Army Medical Corps from 1961-1962, earning a commendation medal of meritorious service.
While completing his residency training in Internal Medicine, Bud was chosen as chief resident at Wilmington Hospital 1963-1964.
Bud was a dedicated, brilliant and unassuming physician with a warm bedside manner. He was beloved by his patients. He was generous with his time, attending to concerns at all hours and settings, of patients and friends.
During active practice years and in retirement, Bud helped his country and community in various volunteer roles. Bud spent multiple summers out West providing medical services at Native American Reservations. Back home, Bud served on the Medical Committee of Delaware Board of Pensions 1998-2014. He was instrumental in opening the Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington DE.
Bud received the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award in Health for his years of treating patients at Claymont Family Services.
In his free time, Bud enjoyed playing tennis and golf with his friends, ‘tinkering around the house,’ following the stock market, and investing in real estate.
Bud’s greatest joys were in the company of his wife Vi. They traveled across the globe together. One favorite adventure occurred when Bud was asked to be a ship’s physician on a Quark ice breaker ship, carrying a team of scientists to Antarctica!
Back on land, Bud brought kindness and support to his children and grandchildren. He was a generous, kind and wise father. As granddad, he’d gladly pitch in—helping with school transport and loudly cheering at shows and sports. He’d frequently call out his favorite phrase: “That’s fabulous!” With his positive affirmations, generosity, dependability and supportive nature, Bud’s children and eight grandchildren adored their ‘Papa.’

And Bud loved his wife Violet. Married for 65 years, she was, ‘the love of his life.’ Every birthday and holiday he eagerly gave her a romantic and sentimental card. Then he would add in his script, ‘every word is true!’
Bud lived his final 6 months at Stonegates Healthcare, bringing smiles to the residents and nurses with his impromptu singing and frequent expressions of gratitude.

Bud is survived by his brother Donald (Bobbi) Riegel; his sister in laws Susan Bayer DiPietro, Roberta Bayer Schlacks; and his children, Scott (Melissa) Riegel, Stephen (Lisa) Riegel and Jacqueline (John) Kairis; his grandchildren: Nathaniel Riegel, Matthew (Emma) Riegel, Abigail Riegel, Harry (Meghan) Riegel, Sophie Riegel, Margaretta Kairis, John Kairis Jr., Lillian Kairis; and great grandchildren: Beniah, Carmella and Leonardo Kairis.

The family would like to thank Susan Bayer DiPietro for her devoted visits and Stonegates Healthcare for care of their parents, Bud and Violet.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial gift be made to Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (‘Bud Riegel’ please in memo line) 601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801.