Dr. Carl Lee Riehm, age 95, passed away on May 31, 2024. Born in Norfolk, VA on January 23, 1929, he was the son of the late Andrew N. Riehm and Nellie V. Riehm. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years Barbara Hilton Riehm.
Carl joined the Navy following graduation from Granby High and served as a TBM plane captain. He entered the Citadel where he received a commission in the Air Force and Bachelors (A.B.) in political science. Carl became a Captain in the Air Force Reserve and earned a Masters of Education (M.A.) in School Administration from the University of Virginia in 1957. He dedicated the remainder of his career to the educational system of the state of Virginia. After teaching sixth and seventh grade in Norfolk, he became the first principal of Easton Elementary School. He later went on to be principal at John Marshall Elementary School.
Dr. Riehm attended the University of Florida and received a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction in 1969. Upon returning to Norfolk, he became Director of Adjustive services for the Norfolk school system as well as taught a graduate class in early childhood education for the University of Virginia. Dr. Riehm became the Director of Elementary Education in Prince William County and he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the county. He designed the curriculum for the 45/15 year-round schedule and was involved in the planning and staff development for three new large high schools and a number of open concept elementary schools.
Dr. Riehm then became the Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the state of Virginia. During his time in this position, he coordinated meetings of all the state schools’ curriculum leaders and was involved in and encouraged the development of learning objectives for every subject matter area. In 1983, he was selected by the US State Department to study the Japanese educational system. Dr. Riehm retired in 1985.
Upon retirement, Carl served as an expert witness for the Virginia Attorney General in a financial dispute between Richmond City and the state of Virginia. He was also a member of a Virginia consulting group. During his retirement, he spent much of this time assisting Barbara in her art business by doing the framing and matting for her shows.
Carl taught and served sixteen years as a counselor for the senior MYF of Christ Methodist Church in Norfolk. He was on the church board and served as a chairman. He and Barbara moved to Florida in the 1990s and spent many years living in On Top of the World. There, he was active in the Stamp club, Genealogy club, and the Computer club. He also enjoyed many years of golf and supporting the Florida Gators.
Carl leaves behind a wonderful wife of 22 years Sara Jane Riehm. He also leaves behind a son Andrew R. Riehm (Patty), a stepdaughter Linda K. Izaguirre (Tony), and two grandchildren: Alexander L. Riehm (Marie) and Gracie E. Riehm (Rob).