Richard Elton Reiss, age 88, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on December 9, 2023, in Mesa, AZ. Richard was born to Virgil and Marguerite Reiss in Fostoria, Ohio.
Surviving family members are his wife, Rebecca, two sons: John, Michael; granddaughter, Rebecca (Becca) and a sister, Jean Spangler. Other surviving family include a brother-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Marvin.
Richard graduated from Fostoria High School in Fostoria, Ohio. Later he graduated from Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
Richard met Rebecca Ann Swearengen while attending Olivet. They married in 1959. In 1960, they moved to Chicago where Richard worked for Delta Air Lines then also in Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA, and Phoenix, AZ. When Delta moved the department from Arizona to Illinois, Richard chose to remain in the dry climate. He worked in electronics and restaurant management and finally as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service.
Music was a major part of Richard’s life. From his youth he sang in church choirs. In high school he was a member of the choir and men’s octet. At Olivet he was a member of Orpheus Choir and a violist in the orchestra. In the Phoenix area he sang in church choirs, ASU Choral Union, Mesa Community College Choir, Cantilena Chorale and the choir at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa where he and Rebecca lived.
A sense of humor, fun, fair, dependable, disciplined, helpful, loving and a strong faith in God are how family and friends will always remember Richard.
The family is grateful to Hospice of the Valley and Winston Park Assisted Living Home in Mesa for the care given Richard during his final days. The family celebrated his life in a private gathering.
That’s a very nice obituary. Good job. That man loved to sing. Loving sympathy, Karen
I adored Richard! From the very first time I met him, he was a joy! I did the ” Happy dance” when he joined my choir at Fellowship Square. He had a beautiful voice, and I had him sing solos, duets, or ANYTHING that would highlight his talents!! He was also the choir’s Funny Man” sharing an hysterical antidote or joke before choir practice began. He and his side-kick Fred, made my choir a blast, and made me personally, so very happy. I will miss him. He truly was extra special. Becky, I will be praying for you. Love you, Sherri Maxson
We enjoyed having Richard at Winston Park as a resident and were blessed to share and read the Bible with him during his last days on Earth. We feel blessed because we had the opportunity to get to know him and his very kind and beautiful wife Rebeca. We will meet again very soon in Heaven Richard. Adriana
My sincere condolences Becky on your husband’s passing. Dick was such a wonderful person and will surely be missed by all that knew him. Take special care of yourself and when you are up to it just email-text-phone me and we’ll get together for lunch.
Jeannette Robson