Patrick S. Riel, Age 88, of Ellington, CT, formerly of Norwich, CT, passed away Friday afternoon, March 20, 2020, at Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford Springs, CT surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Willimantic, CT, son of the late Patrick J and Lydia (Couchon) Riel. He leaves three sons, Philip Riel & wife Diana of Perryopolis, PA, John Riel & wife Diane O’Hagan of Ellington, CT and Thomas Riel & wife Donna of Lempster, NH; Stepdaughters, Claudette Pelletier & partner Rick Gottier of West Stafford, CT, Annette Foisey of Manchester, CT, and Jeannette Pelletier of Vernon, CT, His stepsons, Daniel Pelletier & Deb of Strafford, NH, Antonio Pelletier & wife Tracie of Duluth, GA and David Pelletier of Philadelphia, PA. He leaves a beloved sister in law & her husband, Cecile (Lachance) Pilla & Angelo of Westfield, NY. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jeanette (Beauregard) Riel (1969) and his second wife, Frances (Lachance-Pelletier) Riel (2017). Patrick was the youngest student pilot to solo at Windham Airport at 16 years old. Fifty-two years later he took the controls of a Piper J3 on July 22, 1999.He enlisted into the Connecticut Army National Guard from 1948-1954, with 2 years of active service in the US Army stationed in Germany being honorably discharged at the rank of Staff SergeantHe enjoyed riding motorcycles in his younger years traveling the East Coast from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Nova Scotia. From 1954 to 1982, he was employed by the State of Connecticut, both with the Department of Transportation and the University of Connecticut, Storrs. He was a lifelong bowling enthusiast. He was a life member of Gold Star VFW Post 1724, Willimantic, CT. As an avid fisherman he was a member of Trout Unlimited. He was a former saxophonist of Willimantic City Band as well as a past member of Rose City, Bozrah and Franklin senior citizens groups. He made many friends after moving to Ellington and enjoyed going to Chuck Wagon Restaurant most mornings. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic is serving the family.