Felix Riedo

2/12/1915 – 4/29/2012

Felix was born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1915, served in the Swiss Army and became a professional musician during the big band era, performing in the major resorts and hotels of Switzerland for almost 20 years. Felix enjoyed traveling and eventually set his sights on the United States where he married, and settled down.

Felix and his then-wife Evelyn, and baby son Doug, eventually moved to Santa Barbara, where they bought a restaurant and had daughter Jan. Felix became an American Citizen, of which he was very proud, while maintaining his dual citizenship with Switzerland. Felix owned and operated The Cheerio Restaurant, at 1327 State Street, for 22 years, which was a gathering place for the Swiss living in or traveling through Santa Barbara, and was very well known by local residents.

Once he retired and closed the restaurant, he enjoyed a little traveling, being able to spend more time with his family, and collecting antiques. He is remembered most for his optimistic and charming personality-always so kind, polite, helpful and friendly.

Felix is survived and missed dearly by his son Doug and daughter-in-law Heidi, daughter Jan and son-in-law Paul, four grandchildren, Jamie, David, Kevin and Heather, and three great grandchildren, Camron, Evan and Brayden.