John O. Reichel

John O. Reichel of Riverhead died Nov. 7 at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital. He was 83.

He was born Nov. 29, 1928, in Richmond Hill, Queens, to John O. and Nora Reichel.

Mr. Reichel was employed as lineman/troubleshooter for New York Telephone in Riverhead. He enjoyed leather working, country music and volunteering in the community. A 56-year member of the Riverhead Fire Department, he had served as captain of the Fire Police Patrol Company, an instructor in the Fire Prevention Program and Fire Department chaplain. He had also been president of the Riverhead Lions Club, co-chairman of the Riverhead Community Blood Drive, a member of the Pioneers, chairman of the Peconic Bay District of the Suffolk County Boy Scout Council and a member, lector and eucharistic minister of St. John the Evangelist R.C Church in Riverhead.

Mr. Reichel was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, in 2007, and his son John. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Martin) Lennon, and his sons Arthur (Carol), Thomas (Christine) and Michael (Lauren); 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, Nov. 11, and Monday, Nov. 12, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church. Interment will be at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Riverhead Firemen’s Association for Fire Prevention.

This is a paid notice.