Lester Reiche, Jr.

Lester Reiche, Jr., “Poppy” or “Grandpa,” age 88, of Pompton Lakes for the past sixty years, passed Friday, April 12, 2019.

He was born in Paterson to Lester and Martha Reiche. Lester attended Eastside High School in Paterson with the Class of 1949. His family recalls a story Lester would tell about the family physician coming to the house and having his tonsils removed while he laid on the kitchen table.

Just out of high school Lester worked for the Brightstar Industries and soon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in December of 1953 with the rank of Corporal and having received the National Service Defense Medal.

Lester met his future wife Agnes while on a blind date. They dated and married on September 13, 1952 at Holy Spirit Church in Pequannock while he was on leave. As a young newlywed couple they lived in a small home by the Marine Corps Base in North Carolina and through the years they lived in Pequannock, Totowa, and Pompton Lakes. They had a loving marriage that was blessed with four children before Agnes’ passing in 1996. Lester and Agnes were loving parents and when the grandchildren started coming their happiness and devotion to family and each other found a new level.  The love in his heart grew even more with the birth of his great granddaughter.

When it came to work Lester was a hard worker that was always managing at least two jobs.  For over 39 years Lester worked for PSE&G having retired in 1993 as a Substation Operator.  All during his work with PSE&G Lester worked a myriad of part time jobs.

Lester never let grass grow under his feet…even though he was a caddy for all those years, he was always on the move.  He just never stopped moving and many will know him for his daily trips to the Shop Rite in Oakland, walking his grandson Kris’ Dalmatian around Pompton Lakes just about every day if not twice a day.  He especially enjoyed shopping with his granddaughters and visiting the Rockland County Sportsman’s Show. For many years he also cooked up a storm.  He would make huge portions of spaghetti sauce, chicken soup, pea soup that he would place into containers and deliver to family, friends, and neighbors. He was simply a caring, loving guy who easily made friends and cared for everyone.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life.  He could often be found fishing on the bridge in Pompton Lakes or on a party boat at the Jersey Shore.

He is survived by his son Michael Reiche of Longs, SC, grandson Kristopher Reiche and his girlfriend Kim DeBlieck of Pompton Lakes, NJ, daughter Barbara Reiche and her wife Nancy DeNoia of Guttenberg, NJ, daughter Linda Selsor and her husband Douglas of Vernon, NJ,  granddaughter Katie Aries and her husband Paul and great granddaughter Sophie of Mint Hill, NC, granddaughter Maggie Selsor of Vernon, NJ, son Lester Reiche and wife Patty and grandson Sean of Highland Lakes, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Pompton Lakes First Aid Squad, 700 Ramapo Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 or the Pompton Lakes Fire Department 1 Passaic Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 would be greatly appreciated.