Bryan Matthew Riffle's Obituary
Bryan Matthew Riffle (“Big Daddy,” “Chunk,” “Puffin”), age 38, of Thurmont, MD, passed away suddenly at home on Monday, July 17, 2023.
Born May 10, 1985, in Gettysburg, PA, he is survived by his mother, Wanda Riffle, and father, Kevin R. Riffle, both of Thurmont; brother Kevin M. “Mike” Riffle of Thurmont and sister Nikki Riffle of Fairfield, PA. He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and especially by his closest friend Tara. Bryan was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Richard “Dick” and S. Joann Cool, and paternal grandparents Kermit R. and Pat A. Riffle.
At the age of six, Bryan found a love of dance. He was a student of the Debbie Lewis Dance Studio in Thurmont in all dance styles including tap, hip hop, jazz and lyrical. Bryan loved showing his dance skills in east coast competitions including in Orlando, Virginia Beach, and Pittsburgh.
He attended Catoctin High School and continued his education online with the University of Phoenix. Bryan worked several years as a nursing assistant at St. Catherine’s Nursing Center in Emmitsburg, MD. He was currently employed at Homewood at Crumland Farms as a receptionist and driver, and at Resthaven Funeral Home & Crematory Inc as a staff associate.
Bryan was selfless, always willing to help anyone and everyone. His love for family and friends was strong. Hanging with friends; helping others (especially his Aunt Dottie); relaxing, fishing or riding a jet ski at his dad’s place at River Bend, WV; ghost hunting; cooking; enjoying life and laughter were all ways that Bryan spent his free time. He loved all animals, especially the family cat Lucy.
Bryan was active with the Music is Medicine Foundation of Frederick County. He frequently spoke on drug addiction, giving testimony at events held by the Thurmont Addiction Commission (TAC).
Bryan had a basic philosophy of life: “I believe you should live every day to its fullest and take chances in life so that when you are 92 you don’t ask yourself ‘what if’? I love to laugh and make people laugh; I truly believe it is the best medicine.”
The family will host a Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 20, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Guardian Hose Company activities building, 123 East Main Street in Thurmont.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bryan’s memory to: Thurmont Addiction Commission, P.O. Box 234, Thurmont, MD 21788.
Cremation arrangements are being managed by Resthaven Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.
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