I didn’t get the pleasure of meeting Bob prior to his surgery, but the days we shared afterwards were full of surprises to say the least. He finally decided I was “a nice lady” when I told him I was also in the Navy. Watching him conduct while unaware showed me that this man was spectacular. His family, amazing. We are not all so blessed. I cannot thank Connie enough for requesting that I be his nurse all the days I was there. Until we meet again Bob….. 

It was always a special treat when Robert came to our ward to play the organ! We were so excited to hear his beautiful music at Christmas time. We had the pleasure of knowing him through Noelle and appreciated his kindness and love. He was quick to smile and offer a friendly thought. We wish you comfort and peace during this time. 

Mr. Riska, the brief time we spent sharing Navy sea stories is a bond understood only by those who have served.  It is appropriate that the Navy Hymn will be played on the occasion of your internment.  Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.  We have the watch.

Very respectfully,
LCDR Marcus Urioste (USN-R)

I remember the first time I ever walked into the Carrollton Second Ward. We had just moved to Texas the day before. It was the Sunday before Memorial Day, and I was missing my home town where I had lived for more than 50 years. As my husband Craig and I walked in, we heard the most beautiful organ rendition of “Bring Him Home” from Les Mis. I stopped to listen. I could hardly believe I was hearing a song from a Broadway musical being played as prelude. Tears of gratitude filled my eyes and my heart swelled with joy. I said to Craig,  “Listen!!  The organist knows THAT’S A HYMN!!!  I Can Go To Church Here!!!”  Bob played that sacred piece beautifully and I knew that music with the Riska family would be a great joy in my life. I will always be grateful for the Spirit Bob brought to our worship service.  Thank you, Bob. Heavenly music got even better when you got there. 

Bob Riska was a legend on many fronts. The Naegle family were blessed by his service as our home teacher. He was a home teacher who cared not only for John and my needs, but blessed the lives of each of our children as well. I’ll never forget the homemade popcorn balls he brought over one Christmas Eve. We knew we were watched over and cared for. 
Singing with Brother Riska was also memorable. Not only was he the ward choir director extraordinaire, but he also led countless Richardson Stake Christmas concerts. They were a joy to participate in. We actually leaned so much under his baton. 
One last memory, among others, was his leadership and conducting of the Visions Oratorio held at the Meyerson Symphony Center. I wasn’t a participant in this marvelous production, but a blessed spectator. With Connie by his side, he filled us with this beautiful interpretation of the Oratorio. We were all edified by our attendance. It was an unforgettable experience. We were uplifted by his conducting. 

Probably all of my memories of Bob involve music — from singing in stake and ward choirs that he directed, to leading the congregation in song while he boisterously played along on the organ —  and that's probably exactly as it should be. I will miss his prelude music where he would sneak in bits and pieces of well-known musicals (not everyone noticed, but I definitely did).

He always greeted me with smiles and I felt like he saw me as a daughter. I loved him, and I am going to miss him. 

I hope I can join you in music in heaven, Bob! <3

Note: The photo is from a practice session when he was directing the Carrollton Stake Choir for "Joseph Smith The Prophet." Taken Sept. 26, 2010.

My cousin, Bob Riska, was always kind and fun. I loved to watch and hear him play the piano. My favorite memories were of Bob teaching me to play songs on the piano. He taught me to play Chopsticks. Later I was so proud that he taught me an accompaniment to Chopsticks. It was so fun to play the piano with Bob. 

DeAnn Rasmussen Gallagher

Bob taught me many things but my most cherished was how to make great music with my voice. The countless choir practices for our Ward and Stake meetings throughout the years before he moved to Carrollton. The privilege to sing in Visions of Eternity and my daughter, Jennifer, playing her bass clarinet in the orchestra. I look forward to singing with him again and listen to the glorious music he will be playing on his organ!! I love you Bob, Teresa Mrha

Bob's enthusiasm for great music was catching.  I never really understood the appeal of opera until he opened that door to me.  I remember sitting down in his living room, in front of his huge TV screen and elaborate sound system, and watching scenes from "Thais" together.  I also remember him turning to me one time, as we were watching Mendelssohn's Reformation Symphony,  and saying, "Where did all the great composers go?"  It's a question I've given a lot of thought and energy to since.

I also remember with a smile the few times when his enormous enthusiasm exceeded his reach.  Like when he brought in the "Gratias agimus" from the Bach B Minor Mass for our little volunteer choir at church to sing.  Well, Bob, we may not have been able to do it justice then, but I trust you are singing and directing even better music now.  Maybe you've even gotten to meet ol' Johann Sebastian himself!  No doubt we'll talk more music when I see you again.  I miss you!

With love,
Chris Hoyt  

When Bob led a choir, you could feel his love for its members in addition to his quest for excellence in the performance of the music.   But he would never let the latter supersede the former.   He made it a joy (even if you weren’t that good)!

Bob also taught Ham Radio License class - and made it fun.  

He has a kind heart and a warm smile and occupies a special place in my heart.   

Bob was the oldest cousin amongst the Greenwoods. I remember he and Grandma Irene Greenwood sitting at the piano at Grandfather Charles' home in Sandy UT, she giving him a lesson; and them playing rousing duets.  He, and she were naturals at the piano. 
He was a gentle, loving cousin kind to us much younger members - the children of Ella, Phyllis, Dorothy, and Charles Greenwood. We loved the Riska's always.  I remember his photo in Navy gear, proudly displayed at  Grandfather's.  Lost touch with him for so many years, but did reconnect not too long ago on our family cousins weekly Zoom calls started during the COVID.  He was loved and will be remembered by all of us!  Bless his family especially!

Charlie Greenwood (Cousin)

I remember cousin Bob being a very kind and talented person  It was such a joy to hear him play. Although I was so much younger than him,  he always had time to swing me around in circles. As a little girl I thought he was so tall he could touch the sky.    

Much love 
Gayle Greenwood Moss

I think everyone who was a chorister with Bob learned to listen for a build up in the penultimate verse as he added a vigorous bridge.  I loved it!  I also loved that he mixed in Danny Boy or a masked version of Bring Him Home as part of the prelude music. 

In The Magician's Nephew, by C.S. Lewis, there was a chapter that described the beginning of the universe, and how the Aslan, the lion of Natnia, stepped out of the darkness and sang a single note, and that note grew in complexity as the music created worlds without number.  I'd like to think that Bob was brought in for the climax of that song. Ah, Bob, you have just given the angelic choirs a mighty boost. We'll miss you dearly, until we meet again. 

My family moved to Tucumcari in 1957 mid way through my Junior year of high school.  Bob was one of the first individuals that I met.  It was instant friendship.  in the short one and one half years that we were together he influenced my life in numerous ways.  He gave me the courage to sing.  I am a better person for having  known  him. Bob will understand when I say "Poor Jud is Dead" I will miss but never forget you my friend.  

I loved singing while he conducted various stake choirs. His love for music was contagious. His organ playing was absolutely beautiful. Such a sweet man with a wonderful family. He blessed all of us with his commitment to beautiful music and to the Savior. He was always so kind to me and everyone who knew him. We will miss you, Bob! 

I loved being in the Richardson Stake Choir for the annual Christmas Concert, which Bob conducted and Connie played the piano.  Each year was wonderful thanks to the Riskas.  When Bob was through with a piece at practice he would always say “put it away”.

I have so many great memories of your dad. He was such a sweet man and I loved being part of your family when we would have all those sleepovers.  I e always loved hearing him play. 

OBITUARY

Robert Riska

18 August, 1941 – 13 November, 2021

Rhoton Funeral Home

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