Paul Reiche — Saying our goodbyes
From a note shared by his daughter on Facebook:
August 20th I said goodbye to my dad. No one is prepared for something like this and it happened faster than any of us thought. He lived a good life with his best friend by his side. He was a wonderful Papa. He raised three pretty great kids. You were so happy that Dave and I found one another. He was so proud of his family. Our world has changed forever. Like we promised you, we will take care of your sweet Amanda and one another. I love you Dad and know that you loved us with all of your heart.
It's strange. I can't say I knew Paul well — the longest conversation we ever had was almost exactly one year ago, when he called me to talk about handing over the reins to the forum. On the other hand, he's been like a part of our family for something like 25 years — in his own way, keeping this community alive and well for all that time. Mary, my mother and only daughter of Wally Kunkel Sr., always looked forward to sending him a modest, well-deserved Christmas "thank you" for the seemingly endless stream of book orders that came our way from the forum over the years. Decades past, he spent time taking classes with Wally Sr. at his original woodworking school — and not too long ago, he was right there again in a gathering at the new Mr. Sawdust school – as brought to life by Wally Kunkel. There's something beautiful to be appreciated — almost definitionally, in retrospect — when you discover that sort of constancy of a person over such time.
He was certainly one Mr. Sawdust's most unwavering supporters, from the earliest of days — and a persistent steward of this small, wonderful world of vintage machinery we're all a part of, here and elsewhere.
Paul was, I’m certain, so many unique things to so many different people – from friends, to family… to fellow woodworkers, some who never even met him… but knew him nonetheless. In the opening pages of Mr. Sawdust’s book, you’ll find a dedication written by Wallace in the later years of his own life, and these first few lines remind us that Paul was undoubtedly “a very special breed of people” —
This book is dedicated to a very special breed of people:
To all the “DeWalt men” I ever knew — most of whom are cutting wood with the angels.
To all the people who attended my Mr. Sawdust school — and dedicated themselves to the things I felt were important.
Rest easy, Paul.
— David
(I’ve collected a few photos from Facebook, which I hope the family doesn’t mind my sharing here…)
From Paul's obituary:
Paul R. Reiche, 74, of East Stroudsburg, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday August 20, 2023, He was the loving husband of Amanda (Stryker) Reiche, at home.
Born December 4, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Charles F. and Josephine R. (Reilly) Reiche. He was a resident of Monroe County since 1985 and prior to that of Hopatcong, New Jersey.
He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American Welding Society, and the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsman – Pocono Chapter Office. Paul worked as a welding inspector at Fruehauf Railcar, he was senior engineer for Renault of North America, Fiat USA, Volkswagen USA, at Chrysler Motors he was an Inspector, Investigator, and court representative; he was a writer for Hurst Publishing Company/ Renault Motors Manual. He was also a craftsman for Northern Crafts -craftsman, woodworker, and furniture builder; He was also involved in Monroe Trading Partners – Senior Analyst in association with HGSI, Think of Swim by TD Ameritrade and Edgerater
Paul enjoyed most of all his family and friends, Cub Cadet tractors, Scouting, and travel.
In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by Ramsey the Cat; Rebecca Nocera (Dave) and grandsons Noah, Emerson, and Caleb; Charles Reiche (Katie) and grandsons Karl and Martin; Timothy Reiche (Erin) and grandson Owen.
Memorial service will be held Friday September 15, 2023, at 2:00pm and the Pocono Evangelical Free Church, 486 North Road, Stroudsburg PA 18360 (road Sign says Railroad Drive)
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wesleyan Church Food Bank, 915 N 5th Street, Stroudsburg PA 18360 or to the Pocono Evangelical Free Church Building Fund, 466 North Road, Stroudsburg PA 18360