Edward H. Riendeau; Psychiatric Social Worker

Edward Henry Riendeau, a retired U. S. Army major and psychiatric social worker, has died at the age of 73.

Riendeau, who died Sunday at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, was born Aug. 27, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended the Blessed Sacrament Seminary.

He served in the Air Force before moving to California in his mid-20s. Later, he joined the Army and retired as a decorated major in the 1980s.

After earning a master’s degree in psychology and social work, he worked as a probation officer for many years in Los Angeles County. He then worked as a psychiatric social worker at Camarillo State Hospital. He also taught in the psychology department of Ventura College and was active in the California State Employees Assn.

Riendeau was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order for 59 years. A devout Catholic, he served as a Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Ventura, where he enjoyed singing with the congregation. He was also involved in jail ministry and literacy tutoring.

He was a whiz at crossword puzzles, a fervent library patron and practiced tai chi. He had a great sense of humor and inspired his daughters to follow his commitment to service and St. Francis’ teaching, family members said.

He is survived by Pauline, his wife of 35 years; three daughters, Elizabeth Ortega of Ventura, Mary Riendeau of Berkeley and Nellie Riendeau of San Francisco; one brother, the Rev. Walter A. Riendeau of Utah, and two sisters, Jeanne Marie Sisson of Saugus and Terese Crane of Canyon Country.

He was preceded in death by a brother, William Riendeau, and a sister, Patricia Matte.

Visitation will be from 1:30 to 5 p.m. today at the Charles Carroll Funeral Home in Ventura. Rosary will be recited at Assumption Church in Ventura at 7 p.m. today, and a Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, with his brother officiating. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Christian Service Center at Our Lady of the Assumption.