Obituary for David Arthur Riegert
David Riegert of Reno, Nevada passed away peacefully on December 9, 2018, 10 months after being diagnosed with cancer.
Dave was born on July 27, 1941 in Annville, Pennsylvania and from the age of 8 had a great love of music. He learned to play the drums, guitar, and many other percussion instruments, and in 1959 joined the Navy. He graduated from the Naval School of Music in Washington DC and in 1961, was assigned to the 12th Naval District Band in San Francisco until he was honorably discharged in 1963. From 1963-1965, Dave travelled the US playing the drums for various lounge groups, finally settling in Reno, Nevada in 1966, where he joined the Harrah’s house band.
Dave was very proud of his professional music career and enjoyed backing several famous acts, including Tony Martin, Rich Little, Jim Nabors, Sammy Davis Jr., Frankie Laine, Jimmy Dean, Ed Ames, Kay Starr, and The Smothers Brothers. From 1968-1975, Dave was the drummer in the Harold’s Club house trio, and from 1979-1982, he was the drummer in the MGM Grand House Band, playing for the long running “Hello Hollywood Hello” show. From 1982-1986, Dave played with Frankie Fanelli in Nevada and California.
Up until his diagnosis, Dave continued to play around Reno in several bands including the 9th St. Band, Sierra Swig Big Band, DG Kicks Band, TMCC Jazz Ensemble, Erika Paul-Carlson, and the Let’s Dance Band. He most recently played every Friday night at the Reno Senior Center’s dance where he truly enjoyed his bandmates and the regulars who showed up to dance. Other hobbies included photography, sailing, and travel.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Joy Leland Riegert PhD, nee Hanson, daughters DeAnna Cheslog of Lake Zurich, Illinois and Lisa Branning (Mark) of Aurora, Illinois, grandchildren Brandon Lewkowich, Lauren Cheslog, Jason Branning and Emily Branning, sister Linda Rohland of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and special friend of the family, Kyla Jensen. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mildred Riegert of Annville, Pennsylvania.
Dave did not want a visitation or funeral. A celebration of Dave’s life will take place on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at The Polo Lounge: 1559 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, or Reno Humane Society are greatly appreciated.
Dave was born on July 27, 1941 in Annville, Pennsylvania and from the age of 8 had a great love of music. He learned to play the drums, guitar, and many other percussion instruments, and in 1959 joined the Navy. He graduated from the Naval School of Music in Washington DC and in 1961, was assigned to the 12th Naval District Band in San Francisco until he was honorably discharged in 1963. From 1963-1965, Dave travelled the US playing the drums for various lounge groups, finally settling in Reno, Nevada in 1966, where he joined the Harrah’s house band.
Dave was very proud of his professional music career and enjoyed backing several famous acts, including Tony Martin, Rich Little, Jim Nabors, Sammy Davis Jr., Frankie Laine, Jimmy Dean, Ed Ames, Kay Starr, and The Smothers Brothers. From 1968-1975, Dave was the drummer in the Harold’s Club house trio, and from 1979-1982, he was the drummer in the MGM Grand House Band, playing for the long running “Hello Hollywood Hello” show. From 1982-1986, Dave played with Frankie Fanelli in Nevada and California.
Up until his diagnosis, Dave continued to play around Reno in several bands including the 9th St. Band, Sierra Swig Big Band, DG Kicks Band, TMCC Jazz Ensemble, Erika Paul-Carlson, and the Let’s Dance Band. He most recently played every Friday night at the Reno Senior Center’s dance where he truly enjoyed his bandmates and the regulars who showed up to dance. Other hobbies included photography, sailing, and travel.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Joy Leland Riegert PhD, nee Hanson, daughters DeAnna Cheslog of Lake Zurich, Illinois and Lisa Branning (Mark) of Aurora, Illinois, grandchildren Brandon Lewkowich, Lauren Cheslog, Jason Branning and Emily Branning, sister Linda Rohland of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and special friend of the family, Kyla Jensen. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mildred Riegert of Annville, Pennsylvania.
Dave did not want a visitation or funeral. A celebration of Dave’s life will take place on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at The Polo Lounge: 1559 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, or Reno Humane Society are greatly appreciated.