Bernard Daniel Rielley

Bernard Daniel Rielley, 79, died on August 15, 2016 after several months fighting complications from myasthenia gravis. To the end he enjoyed reading his books, checking his iPhone, following Bernie Sanders, visits from his teacup poodle Shakespeare, and most importantly his daily visits from Rita, his wife of 58 years. Family was most important to him. Bernie was born in St. Louis, MO on March 8, 1937 to John and Catherine Rielley. Bernie and Rita were high school sweethearts and married after he graduated from St. Louis University. They had six children in seven years and worked for savings and loans, the Federal Home Loan Bank in Des Moines, IA, ISC Systems in Spokane, WA, and Chicago, IL. He was active in using and managing computers since the 1960s and was always up on the latest technology. He was fascinated by hardware stores and moved to the Tacoma area to own the Oakbrook True Value Hardware store in Lakewood, WA. With no hardware or retail experience the store was nationally recognized within a few years. After retiring and selling the store they sold their home, divided up their worldly possessions among their five children and hit the road in a motor home, eventually settling in Brownsville, TX. It was in Texas that Bernie and Rita joined the war protesters and continued his interest in politics to the end. They moved back to Washington and settled in Allyn until his illness forced him into hospitals and nursing homes in January. He was a big Bernie Sanders follower, and to the end proudly wore his Bernie hat. He was also a life-long Catholic with a special place for the Rosary. He died peacefully on August 15, surrounded by many members of his family. Bernie is survived by his wife Rita, children Christine (Alexei) Oro, Bernard, Marie (Randall) Duckworth, Steve (Cynthia), Debra (Kevin) Gaugush, and nine grandchildren and siblings Jack (Madeline), Mary Kay Whitby, Mark (Judy) and James (Connie). He is predeceased by his parents, John and Catherine, and son Thomas Jude. A funeral Mass will be held at Prince of Peace Parish, Belfair on Saturday, August 27. His ashes will be interred with Thomas Jude in St. Louis.