Valentine Riedman
Val Riedman passed away at The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY on February 25, 2025. He was 91 years old. He was born on February 14, 1934 to Valentine Riedman Sr. and Bernadette Roach Riedman. It was always interesting that Val was actually born on Valentine’s Day, yet he was a junior and his father was not born on Valentine’s Day. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan. He received a good conduct medal. When he completed his tour in 1956, he attended The State University of New York at New Paltz during which time he worked as an orderly in Vassar Hospital. In 1958, he married Marie Deininger with whom he had 4 children. Val traveled all over the United States with his family visiting almost every state in their Volkswagen van.
In 1986, he married Christl Hutt. Val and Christl traveled extensively all over the world. They owned 3 hardware stores in Grand Gorge, Roxbury and Prattsville as well as a café in Prattsville. They had an antique business, too. Val was an elementary math and computer teacher and retired from Gilboa-Conesville Central School in 1988. Over the years, Val was a member of the Grand Gorge Fire Department, a school board member, and a bartender. He enjoyed boating and bird watching. He always kept himself busy. Val was very active in the American Legion. At one time, he was the Delaware County Commander. He also dedicated some of his time to the Gilboa Museum, where he was a board member. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Bernadette. Survivors include his wife, Christl Riedman, his brother, Tony Riedman, Marie Deininger Giddings, his children, Valentine Riedman III (Sharon), Diane Hull (Mike), Steven Riedman (Jackie) and Thomas Riedman (Vicki), his stepchildren, Ruth Reeve (Bob) and Frederick Hutt. In addition, he had 12 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 1 niece and 1 nephew.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Virgil E. Deyo American Legion Post 1327, PO Box 272 Prattsville, NY 12468 or to the Gilboa Museum payable to The Gilboa Historical Society, PO Box 52, Gilboa, NY 12076. There will be no service at this time. A celebration of life will follow; date TBD.