Obituary of Richard Raymond Reichel

AIKEN, SC – Mr. Richard (Dick) Reichel, age 90, entered into rest on April 27, 2021.

Dick was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 14, 1931 to the late John and Nora Reichel.

He served in the Navy as a radio operator on the USS Jupiter during the Korean War before marrying his lifelong sweetheart Ann in 1958. He and Ann raised their four children in Farmingdale, NY prior to moving to Aiken in 2002.

Dick served as one of N.Y. City’s Bravest with Engine Co. 270, as well as the Mask Service Unit.  He loved the job and the camaraderie. Like most firefighters he had many other talents and “moonlighted” with contractors to support his family.  After his retirement from the FDNY, he worked for the Grumman Aerospace Corporation on Long Island where he enjoyed mentoring the young men who worked with him.  He instilled his strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren.

Known as Pop to his children, PopPop to his grandchildren, and “Uncle” Dick to family and friends, he was a kind and loving man.  He fostered life-long friendships everywhere he went, was grateful for his blessings, and could light up a room with his one liners. He was a parishioner at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ann, and their children, Rick Reichel (Christine) of Aiken, SC; Charlie Reichel (Stacy) of Ocean Springs, MS; Dan Reichel (Paula) of Sturgeon Bay, WI; and Mary-Ellen Samuelsen (Bruce) of Stafford, VA; grandchildren Matt Reichel (Savanah); Keely Gerrald (Travis); Brian Reichel; Jack Reichel; Andy Reichel (Kelly); Carlie Reichel; Caitie Reichel; DJ Reichel; Emma Reichel; Lizzie Samuelsen; Jonathan Samuelsen; Christopher Samuelsen; and Lexie Samuelsen; and great-grandchildren Reese, Palmer Grace, Tripp, and Bo Christopher.  He was predeceased by his brothers John and Thomas.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 4 at 10:00am at the Historic St. Mary Help of Christians Church on Park Ave., with Father Francisco Onate-Vargas as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers, which supports the families of fallen firefighters, or St. Mary Help of Christians Church.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com