9/17/2013
Ralph J. Reich, 84, of Leola, formerly of Lewistown, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. He was the husband of Judith Reich. Born in Elmira, NY, Ralph joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. During his twenty years of service he was a member of the U.S. Constabulary established as an army of occupation in Germany and Austria following WWII. In addition, Ralph was a member of the 3rdArmored Cavalry Veterans Association and The Military Officers Association of America and is a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the Victory Medal WWII, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with cluster and U.S. Army Reserve Medal. Ralph retired as a major and went on to teach civics and economics at Chief Logan and Lewistown Area High Schools in Lewistown, PA. He also served as Assistant Principal during his 25 years as an educator.
Ralph lived in Lewistown from 1966-1998, followed by a time in Lower Delaware and Florida, finally settling back in Pennsylvania in Leola at the home of his daughter Linda and son-in-law Robert Woodward.
He is predeceased by his first wife Pat, two brothers and both parents.
In addition to his wife Judy, Ralph leaves behind four children: Linda married to Rob Woodward, Leola, Christine married to Steve Rupe, Wrightsville, David married to Nicole Reich, Aaronsburg, PA and Debra married to David Miller, Wilmington, DE; as well as 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Ralph was an avid fisherman and loved the beach, travel, jigsaw puzzles and especially his family.
The funeral will be on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 10:30 AM from the Faith United Methodist Church, 1290 Fruitville Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Viewing: 9:30-10:30 AM Saturday at the church. Burial will also be on Saturday at 3:00 PM at St. Mark's Episcopal Church Cemetery, Lewistown, PA. Kindly omit flowers. Memorials are welcomed to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.