Jerome H Riesenberg Jr.

Jerome H. Riesenberg "Jerry" passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life Elizabeth "Betsy" Riesenberg. Together they built a family grounded in love, loyalty, generosity, service and devotion to one another and their community.

He is survived by Dan (Jan), Mark (Lee Anne), Mary Beth (Kip),and Steve (Shelly); grandchildren Brad (Andrea), Brian (Hunter), Ruthie, Jared, Gigi, Mazie, Lulu, and Miles; and treasured great-granddaughter Emerson.

Jerry was a devoted and faithful servant to God, his family, and his country. His life was marked by perseverance, compassion, kindness, and a genuine concern for others.

Raised in Golf Manor, Jerry graduated from Purcell High School, class of 1958. He excelled in athletics earning varsity letters in football, baseball, basketball, track and field and tennis.

Jerry was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies after high school but chose to pursue a basketball career at the University of Dayton. After that was cut short by injury he returned to Cincinnati, graduating from Xavier University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Jerry started his business career with General Foods where he was tasked with introducing Cool-Whip to the North American market. Later, he purchased a food ingredient company selling primarily sugar into brands such as Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Coke, Pepsi, and others, making life just a little sweeter.

In the early 1980's, he along with several other Xavier Alumni and boosters, helped raise the level and profile of the men's basketball program; mentoring many young men along the way.

Jerry also enjoyed coaching baseball and football in the Mt Washington- Anderson Township area positively influencing a generation of young people on and off the field. For Jerry, sports represented far more than competition. Athletics opened doors and opportunities that shaped the course of his life, and he believed every child deserved the same chance. This core belief led Jerry to provide equipment, uniforms, meals, transportation and all that was necessary for area children to excel.

Although he loved athletics, nothing brought him greater happiness than time with his children, and grandchildren. He loved hearing about their lives, accomplishments, adventures and careers. He was a good listener - a trusted advisor to many. He led by example. He was known and respected for his hard work but loved to have some fun along the way.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant" - Matthew 25:23

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday May 18, at 10:30am Guardian Angels Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jerry's honor to Feed the Soul, (feedthesoul.org) a local organization dedicated to ensuring children in our community have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.