William J. Reichner Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On February 4, 2020 the world lost a special man. William J. Reichner, of Almonesson, NJ passed away at home at the age of 89 years. Beloved husband and best friend of Kathleen (nee Koerner) for 27 wonderful years. Predeceased by wife Claudine D. (nee Martin) in 1973 and wife Anne L. (nee Brown) in 1992. Survived by five children, William J. Jr., Michael R., Ricky R. (Helen), Michele D., and Claudine M. Townsend (Barry); and four stepchildren, Edward P. Thomas, Jr. (Gwen), Nancy A. Budesa (Fred), Susan M. Hood, and Michael Kraemer, also sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Though born in Westville NJ where he lived for 10 months, Bill lived the rest of his life in Almonesson, NJ. He grew up across the road from Ralph Jones Airport where he spent much of his childhood time, and where he acquired a life-long love for airplanes and flying. This influenced Bill later to join the United States Air Force, where he served for four years during the Korean War. At the age of 15 years, he became a member of the Almonesson Lake Volunteer Fire Co. and continued to be a lifetime member. Bill was pleased, that when serving as President, he and his committee (he always said it was his committee, not him alone) got the new firehouse built in 1968. He later became a member of the New Jersey Exempt Fireman’s Relief Association. Bill always enjoyed being outdoors, farming, going to the Jersey shore, fishing, water skiing at Lake Lenape, crabbing in Maryland, hunting in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maine, anything to do with airplanes or flying, or just sitting on his porch. He also enjoyed spending Tuesday nights at “the meeting of the minds” with his friends, Friday night playing pinochle with family, traveling, and many Florida activities and friends. Bill worked weekend nights as floor manager at The Almonesson Lake Ballroom in his early years, while working several positions, mostly as serviceman, during his 38 years at South Jersey Gas Company. After retiring in 1993, he began spending winters in Florida, which he loved. Those who knew Bill best, know he was a hard worker and was always ready to help others (never expecting anything in return). He lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed making people laugh and bringing them happiness. Because he was such a pleasure to be around, he had many good friends in New Jersey, Florida, and other places he had been. Bill’s family and friends will sadly miss him, but we should all remember how having him with us, made our lives so much better. Services private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory would be appreciated to either The Almonesson Lake Fire Department, 1700 Almonesson Rd., Deptford, NJ 08096 or to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053.

William J. Reichner

January 6, 1931 - February 4, 2020