Obituary for Richard J. "Rich" Reifsteck
Richard “Rich” J. Reifsteck, 81, of Altoona went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday at his home after an extended illness.
He was born in Altoona on December 13, 1941, and was the son of John H. and C. Ruth (Orange) Reifsteck. On February 14, 1986, he married Victoria Shaw, in Hagerstown, MD, and they shared 37 amazing years together.
Rich is survived by his wife; daughters, Diana Worley and Jennifer Cuddington (Todd); grandchildren, Stefan (Julia), Emily, Matthew (Amanda) and Joe Majcher, Cassie and Alexis Cuddington; and great grandson, Arthur Majcher.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and cousin Cheryl Kaiser.
Rich was a graduate of Altoona Area High School in 1960. After high school, he spent four years as an Air Policeman in the Air Force K-9 unit, serving in the Philippines, with his favorite German Shepard, Cognac, Germany and Greece. After his honorable discharge, Rich followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the Altoona Police Department for six years, and then over 20 years as a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper. He was a firearms instructor while in the PSP and received numerous awards in marksmanship during his career.
As a young boy, Rich developed a lifelong passion for airplanes, inspired by his Uncle Dick, a WW2 pilot. He shared this love with many, encouraging some to earn their wings. He enjoyed building model airplanes, military history, air shows, target shooting, his dogs, Millie and Mason, photography and working on cars, especially his ‘57 Chevy. He had a gift for fixing things and his love of life was often revealed in a joke and a mischievous smile. Most of all, Rich loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandson.
He dedicated his life to serving others and was a member of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, NRA, Blair County Game, Fish and Forestry Association, Blair County Historical Society, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Friends will be received at The Good Funeral Home, Inc. on Plank Rd on Thursday, March 16th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at The Good Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday, March 17th at 11:00 AM. Pastor John Godissart officiating. A graveside service at Alto-Reste Park with military honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force and the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rich’s memory may be made to Pinnacle Hospice, 5410 6th Ave STE.1, Altoona, PA 16602.
He was born in Altoona on December 13, 1941, and was the son of John H. and C. Ruth (Orange) Reifsteck. On February 14, 1986, he married Victoria Shaw, in Hagerstown, MD, and they shared 37 amazing years together.
Rich is survived by his wife; daughters, Diana Worley and Jennifer Cuddington (Todd); grandchildren, Stefan (Julia), Emily, Matthew (Amanda) and Joe Majcher, Cassie and Alexis Cuddington; and great grandson, Arthur Majcher.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and cousin Cheryl Kaiser.
Rich was a graduate of Altoona Area High School in 1960. After high school, he spent four years as an Air Policeman in the Air Force K-9 unit, serving in the Philippines, with his favorite German Shepard, Cognac, Germany and Greece. After his honorable discharge, Rich followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the Altoona Police Department for six years, and then over 20 years as a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper. He was a firearms instructor while in the PSP and received numerous awards in marksmanship during his career.
As a young boy, Rich developed a lifelong passion for airplanes, inspired by his Uncle Dick, a WW2 pilot. He shared this love with many, encouraging some to earn their wings. He enjoyed building model airplanes, military history, air shows, target shooting, his dogs, Millie and Mason, photography and working on cars, especially his ‘57 Chevy. He had a gift for fixing things and his love of life was often revealed in a joke and a mischievous smile. Most of all, Rich loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandson.
He dedicated his life to serving others and was a member of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, NRA, Blair County Game, Fish and Forestry Association, Blair County Historical Society, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Friends will be received at The Good Funeral Home, Inc. on Plank Rd on Thursday, March 16th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at The Good Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday, March 17th at 11:00 AM. Pastor John Godissart officiating. A graveside service at Alto-Reste Park with military honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force and the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rich’s memory may be made to Pinnacle Hospice, 5410 6th Ave STE.1, Altoona, PA 16602.