Brothers' 92 years end the lifelong way: as twins
Friars with Bona ties die together in hospital
By Robert J. McCarthy
NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Published:
June 2, 2011, 11:47 PM
Updated: June 3, 2011, 10:34 AM
From the moment of their birth in Buffalo 92 years ago, twin brothers Julian and Adrian Riester rarely left each other's side.
They played together, went to school together, as young men traveled cross-country together -- and, in their 20s, joined the Franciscan order together.
And on Wednesday, after 65 years as identical twins wearing the identical brown robes of the Franciscans -- mostly at St. Bonaventure University -- Brother Julian Riester and Brother Adrian Riester died together at St. Anthony Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. Julian died Wednesday morning, followed by Adrian in the evening.
Those who knew the Riesters best say they are not surprised at all.
"If ever there is a confirmation that God favored them, this is it," said their cousin and close friend Michael Riester of Buffalo. "They weren't even separated for 12 hours."
The biological brothers were also religious brothers, committed to the monastic life of Franciscan friars, not as priests but in roles as physical laborers.
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