NILES - Robert J. ''Jim'' Rihel, 70, of Niles, died Friday, June 29, 2012, at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
He was born May 12, 1942, in Butler, Pa., the son of the late Roy H. Rihel and the late Laura Grace Schell Rihel.
On Aug. 8, 1975, he married the love of his life, Carol Dines.
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Robert J. Rihel
He worked as an assembler at GM for 30 years.
He enjoyed woodworking, and was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He was a family man who enjoyed family holiday outings and loved to make people laugh.
He took great pride in restoring vintage items and seeing those items get a second chance at life.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Rihel of Niles; his children, Tammy L. Ginnicks of Warren, Robert J. (Debbi) Rihel Jr. of Leavittsburg, Daniel S. (Samantha) Rihel of Mecca and Doreen C. (Douglas) Errett of Niles; his dog, Max; his grandchildren, Carly, Jessy, Emily, Evan, Cory, Alex, Hanna and Heather; great-grandchildren, Kylee and Jon; his sisters, Linnie Jane Sharlock of Howland and Alice Markle of Warren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, LeeRoy "Lee" Rihel, Lawrence "Larry" Rihel, Raymond "Ray" Rihel, Mary Helen Bell, Esther Watt, and Betty Grace Rihel.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday, where Pastor Charles Jewell will officiate.
Cremation will take place following the service.
(special notice)