Gordon Riedell of Needham died on Friday November 25th at the Stanley R. Tippett House in Needham. He was 78 years old. Born in Boston, he spent his pre-school years in suburban Chicago. Mr. Riedell attended Boston public schools, and graduated from Boston English High School, Class of 1944. After joining the army in 1944, Gordon started his studies at the University of New Hampshire. At 18 years of age he was sent to basic training in South Carolina. Discharged as a Sergeant he then returned to UNH after the war and graduated with the class of 1950. In 1950 he started his career in the field of employee and labor relations. In September 1951 he married Suzanne (Dearborn) and raised four sons. He served on the Town of Needham Personnel Board and Human Rights Committee. Mr. Riedell was a youth soccer coach, a Boy Scout Leader was involved in the church Guatemala Committee . He was also a member of the Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Sierra Club, the Needham Tennis Club and the Needham Pool and Racquet Club. Gordon and his wife traveled extensively to much of the USA, Canada, South and Central America, Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land. The beloved husband for 54 years of Suzanne (Dearborn), he was the dear father of K. Brock and his wife Cathie (Clinch) of West Vancouver, B.C.; K. Bruce and his wife Sharon of Boxford, MA; Christopher B of Alameda CA; and K. David and his wife Kim of Needham. Loving grandfather of Courteney, Andrew, Michaela and Sara. A Funeral Service will be held at the Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Highland Avenue Needham, on Tuesday November 29th at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue Needham on Monday from 5-8 PM. Interment at the South Road Cemetery in Belmont NH. Arrangements by the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue Needham.