Richard John Reiter

1944 - 2025

Richard John Reiter

May 26, 1944 - April 17, 2025

Richard John "Dick" Reiter passed away peacefully at his home in Hampstead, MD at the age of 80 on April 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was respected and admired by family, countless friends, and colleagues across the globe for his unwavering loyalty and fierce patriotism. He leaves behind a profound legacy of service and life lived to the fullest.

He was born on May 26, 1944 to Emily "Bobby" (Gaynor) and Gib Reiter in Chippewa Falls, WI - a place he remained deeply connected to throughout his life. First working at the family restaurant (Reiter's Steak House) and drag racing his father's cars, he graduated from McDonell High School and answered the call to duty, joining the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably from 1962 to 1966. He furthered his education abroad, earning a Bachelor's Degree from the University of MD Europe in 1975.

In 1968, Dick married Donna Boos, and the couple lived in England from 1968 to 1976, where Dick began his distinguished career with the NSA. This is also where their children Lisa and David were born. From 1977 to 1980 they lived in Spain. During these years, his adventurous spirit soared high literally as he became an accomplished skydiver, proudly serving as the only American on the British National Skydiving Team, "The Ravens." He competed internationally with the team, achieving multiple international honors. He and his team once set a record with a remarkable 13-man star formation; and in recognition of their excellence were formally presented to Prince Charles in 1970. The team's exploits even caught the attention of filmmakers while in South Africa competing with footage of their freefalls used in the movie "The Wild Geese."

In the political and defense sphere, Dick worked with immense dedication for the National Security Agency, Department of State and Department of Defense. Although based in the US, his career spanned several countries around the globe including Europe, South America, Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. He was awarded the prestigious NSA Meritorious Civil Service Award for his exceptional service. In 1996 he retired to Zimbabwe, where he met and married his cherished wife, Dorothy. Here he spent many hours enjoying his friends, family, hobbies, life and multiple hunting adventures. His dedicated service summoned him back following the events of September 11, 2001, after which he continued to serve his beloved nation selflessly in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Gulf War, and then later worked part time (while battling aggressive cancer) in the US before finally retiring in 2024.

Dick was widely admired within his family as a devoted son, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. He found joy in fast cars - his cherished Dodge Challenger was a frequent attraction at car shows. He treasured hunting trips, good friends and cooking for family gatherings. He had a profound love of dogs and horses that stayed with him throughout his life. His social nature cemented lifelong friendships and made him the life of any gathering! Dick's service, both secret and celebrated, stood as a testament to his fiercely patriotic spirit. He often said "I've lived all over the world and there is no place like the United States!" His family echoes his sentiments and celebrates a life of duty and joy. He leaves behind inspiration for them to continue embracing life with such gusto and persistence.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy, son David Reiter (fiancé Kim Burdette) of Hanover, PA, daughters Lisa Reiter, DVM of Chetek, WI, Taren Van Heerden of Havre de Grace, MD, and Kerry Courtney of Wraybury, UK, nephew Bill (Missy) Reiter, niece Emily (Kenneth) Albritton, grandchildren Callan and Sena Courtney, his first wife Donna (Roy) Roddey of Bloomer, WI and his beloved Golden Retriever Kensi.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill (Christine) Reiter.

A private birthday/memorial Celebration will be held at his home on May 25, 2025 and a public Celebration of Life will be held at the Wissota Lodge in Chippewa Falls, WI (where Reiter's Steak House once stood) on June 22, 2025, where all are welcome to commemorate Dick's extraordinary life and share memories and stories.

He stood watch over our nation and his family for over 50 years and now his watch is over. We will never fully comprehend the magnitude of his service and sacrifices, but our flag remembers and thanks him. He now rests alongside beloved family members who preceded him, free from the suffering. His presence is deeply missed and we will strive to continue making him proud of us.

Memorials in lieu of flowers can be sent to Bridging Life Hospice in Maryland or any donations to Veterans organizations.

To paraphrase a passage sent to us:

" We saw him slowly lose abilities and not be able to do the things he loved and enjoyed. We felt his sorrow when it seemed his life was shrinking; we don't know how he handled it and continued to smile. He just kept going, doing what he could as long as he could do it. We knew he was in pain, but he managed to keep that to himself, fighting to stay upbeat and positive. We know he didn't want to leave, but we sensed he was ready to go. He didn't want to leave us behind, but he couldn't exactly take us with him. In his heart, we believe he knew what was coming. It was inevitable, we want him here but are relieved that his pain has come to an end. We grieve over all he will miss in the future, but believe he is at peace which brings us some comfort." We know he is with God and continuing to watch over us.