Obituary of Richard Reich, 87

Richard L. Reich, aged 87, who lived in State College, Pa., passed away at home on February 29, 2016 after a long struggle with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Richard was born February 8, 1929 in Lebanon, Pa. His parents were Charles H. and Carrie E. (Long) Reich of Lebanon, Pa. who preceded him in death as did all 12 of his siblings. Richard was the youngest. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline T. (Reinbold) Reich, 87. Also surviving are his 4 children: T. Susan Fetterman, Sharon L. Peacock, Nadine L. Grissinger, and Charles R. Reich. Richard was fortunate to have 3 grand-children, 2 step grand-children, and one step great grand-child.

“Dick” and “Jackie” were married on October 15, 1949 in Lebanon, Pa. Soon after, a scholarship from Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute allowed him to attend Penn State University. He eventually earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Near the end of the Korean War, he joined the United States Navy as an officer and spent time in Antigua, British West Indies on active duty. Dick continued his career in the Naval Reserves ultimately commanding the Seabees unit in Altoona. He retired as a Captain in the United States Naval Reserve.

Richard returned to Penn State after his active duty receiving an M.S. in Industrial Engineering. While working towards his degree, he taught statistics in the IE department and enjoyed mentoring and advising students. He then chose to continue working at Penn State in the Applied Research Laboratory where he could merge his engineering skills for Naval research. He retired from Penn State as the Head of Operations at ARL.

Richard was very active at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in State College. He served on the Vestry for many years and was Senior Warden on more than one occasion. As a Lay Minister and member of Stephen's Ministry, he attended to the spiritual needs of the congregation. In addition, he volunteered at Mount Nittany Medical Center as an assistant to the hospital chaplain.

In his spare time over the years, he liked to read, create furniture for his family using his woodworking skills, grow vegetables in the garden, and teach mathematics to anyone needing assistance. He truly loved teaching and providing guidance.

Richard will have a Memorial service given by the Reverend Douglas Dailey, Interim Rector on Friday March 11, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in the main chapel at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 208 W. Foster Ave., State College, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson's or Alzheimer's research: www.michaeljfox.org or www.alzfdn.org.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.