John A Reich, 81, of Reinholds, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Reading Hospital after a brief illness.
Born and raised in Reinholds, he was the son of the late John R. and Carrie L. (Weiders) Reich.
He was a graduate of Cocalico High School, class of 1962.
John and his wife, Estella F. (Martzall) Reich, enjoyed lifelong careers in general construction, the two retiring in 2012 as the owners and operators of the family’s general construction business, EF Martzall, Inc in Reinholds.
As a young boy John tagged along with his father to the fire hall, sparking his commitment to service and to the Reinholds Fire Company. John became a firefighter at the age of sixteen and bravely served the fire company as a Driver, and held several officer positions over his lifetime – first as Financial Secretary, then as an Assistant Chief, and fourteen years as Fire Chief. He completed his years of service to the fire company as a Trustee and Driver; at age 79, John drove the truck to his last fire call before retiring. He never missed an opportunity to work at the Reinholds Firemen’s Carnivals and raised his family in that same service mindset. Having selflessly put the needs of others before his own, he leaves behind a legacy at the Reinholds fire hall, as his sons and grandsons follow in his footsteps.
A member of Swamp Christian Fellowship (formerly Swamp UCC) since his marriage to Estella, John worshiped alongside his family and assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the church property, faithfully serving as a Trustee for many years until the time of his passing.
John served his community as a Charter member of the Reinholds Lions Club from its inception in 1965, was awarded the Melvin Jones award for his service, and continued to serve the community as a member of the Denver Lions Club since 2016.
John will be remembered by his family for the time spent together and the cherished memories that were created together, while serving, working, spending time at the family cabin in Sullivan County, celebrating holidays, and just celebrating life. In addition to his wife of 61 years, John is survived by daughters: Anita L. Lied (Scott) and Audrey L. Lafferty (Vince) of Denver, sons: Kurt A. Reich (Chris Trostle) and Kent A. Reich (Liz Roman) of Reinholds. He was adored by grandchildren: Olivia Rutter (Jeff), Margot Groner (Stephen), Savannah Simun (Chris), Josh Wingenroth (Allison Lynch), Jordan Wingenroth (Catie Eckman), Alyssa Wingenroth, Dustin Reich (Laura Sensenig), Nick Reich, Danielle Reich, Bethany Rutt, Gabi Rutt, Evan Oberholtzer, CC Ray, and John Robert; and great-grandchildren: Benton, Nora and Winslow Rutter; Auden and London Groner; Noah and Cade Wingenroth. A brother-in-law, Larry L Gensemer and sister-in-law, Ernestine M Gensemer also survive him, in addition to his sister, Judy A. Hibshman and five nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by a brother, Robert E. Crouse.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in John’s memory to one of the organizations that were important to him: Swamp Christian Fellowship (390 Swamp Church Rd., Reinholds); Reinholds Fire Company (138 W. Main St., Reinholds); or Denver Lions Club (425 Locust St., Denver).
A visitation will be held at Swamp Christian Fellowship on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 6pm to 8pm. An additional visitation will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 9am to 10am, followed by the funeral service at 10am, with Rev. Craig Frazier officiating; interment to follow at the Swamp Cemetery.
Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.
