Richard Reichel

Richard L. Reichel, DDS passed peacefully from this life early Saturday morning November 10, 2012, at home surrounded by family.

He was born in Erie, PA on January 8, 1931, a son of Dr. Edwin J. and Blanche S. Reichel.

Dr. Reichel graduated from Academy High School in 1949 then attended Behrend College, Houghton University and was in the Gannon University Class of 1954. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine he served in the United States Navy, stationed on Midway Island, Hawaii, and in Oakland, California. He served two years in active duty and many years in the reserves, retiring after 26 years of service. His patriotism spanned his lifetime; he voted in every election without exception, including extra efforts to cast his vote last Tuesday.

Dr. Reichel practiced dentistry in Erie for 43 years, one of three Reichel generations of dentists: his father, himself and his son, Richard L. Reichel, II, DMD, all graduates of Pitt Dental School. He was a member of the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, Pierre Fuchard Academy, American Dental Association, and the Erie County Dental Association for which he served as 9th District President.

His passion for boating began in 1954 when he bought his first of four boats, each named Margo. Dr. Reichel was a member of the Erie Yacht Club since 1973, and it became one of his favorite places. He drove through the Yacht Club each morning and evening on his way to and from work, and also past the Erie waterfront at Dobbins Landing on his way to his office on State Street. A lifelong member of the Zem Zem Temple Shrine where he participated in a number of Shrine groups and was past Commodore of the Zem Zem Zailors.

When not on his boat Dr. Reichel enjoyed his property on West 38th Street where he could often be seen on his tractor working in the yard, in the garage or plowing snow in the driveway.

He was an avid collector of Griswold cast iron, a handyman and perfectionist with projects.

He loved to travel with his wife, Marge. Together they traveled with family and friends to many parts of the world. The Reichels owned a home in Longboat Key, Florida where they enjoyed friends, boating and retirement.

Dr. Reichel was a member of Glenwood United Methodist Church for over 70 years, serving as usher for a period of time. In addition he had been a member of the Sertoma Club of Erie, Erie Maennerchor Club, and Lake Shore Country Club. Those who knew him enjoyed his fun loving personality, practical jokes, fun parties and annual Christmas Day gatherings. Christmas was not Christmas until he served the Reichel family figgy pudding.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Reichel was preceded in death by his brother, Edwin J. Reichel, Jr., and his sister, Doralene Reichel Matz.

Margaret Kubiak Reichel, his wife of 55 years survives, along with his son, Richard L. Reichel, II, DMD, wife Sharon and daughters Maddy and Jayne of Erie; daughter, Lisa Louis, husband Mark and children Maggie, Brigid, Glenn and Graham of Erie, and; daughter, Megan Last, husband Dan, of Westlake, OH.

Special thanks to special people who cared for "Doc" most recently, Beth, Kristin, Brenda, Steve, Denise, Barb, Lucy, Liz, Bobbie, Sheri, Elaine and Claudia.

Family and friends are invited to Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc, 602 West 10th St., Erie on Tuesday from 2-5 and 7-9pm. and are invited to attend services there on Wednesday at 10am. followed by burial with military honors at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Glenwood United Methodist Church, 2931 Myrtle St., Erie, PA 16508 and Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th St., Erie PA 16505. Send flowers and condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.