Richard E. Reichley

Richard E. Reichley, 86, passed away on January 15, 2026.

Born February 18, 1939, the son of the late U. Elwood Reichley and S. Kathryn (Kauffman) Reichley. On September 16, 1962, he married Sandy (Yerger) Reichley.

After graduating from Shamokin High School in 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Signal Corps at Ganghwa Island in South Korea from 1958 to 1960. Following his honorable discharge, Rich was a model maker at Rogay Models near Washington, DC, where he crafted projects for display at the Smithsonian Institution and was part of the team which created the replica of PT-109 for President John F. Kennedy, now displayed at the Kennedy Presidential Library. One of his models is currently on display at the Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg, showing the Glen Burn Colliery from his hometown. Rich was employed as a mail carrier for the US Post Office in Alexandria, VA, and as a draftsman for Wood-Mode in Kreamer, PA for most of his work life.

In September of 1962, Rich married Sandy, and three years later, they were blessed with a daughter, Terri. Later that year, they moved back to PA, and they lived in Snyder County for the past 60 years, moving into the home they built in 1968.

Rich spent long hours in his workshop manufacturing, repairing, and improving anything and everything requiring a craftsman’s touch. Some of the many talents Rich possessed were masonry, carpentry, automotive repair, plumbing, electrical, wood working, furniture restoration, and painting. In addition to those many talents, Rich was an accomplished artist.

Ever a patient teacher, Rich loved to share his knowledge with his grandsons Trevor and Ryan, spending hours building with wood blocks and Legos, drawing, and wood carving. He was a proud Grandpa who celebrated with them as they achieved honors and grew into the young men they have become.

He is survived by his daughter, Terri Reichley Dennehy, and husband Patrick, two grandsons, Trevor and Ryan, a sister-in-law, Bonnie Long, brother-in-law Guy Graybill, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers- and sisters-in-law Donald and Jeanne Reichley, and John and Ethel Reichley, sister-in-law Nancy Graybill, and brother-in-law, Barry Long.

Arrangements are by Hummel Funeral Home, Middleburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or WVIA public media, in his memory, would be appreciated. A private celebration of life for Rich and Sandy will be held later this year.

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