Ronald Reis

REIS, RONALD E. Ronald E. Reis, of Branford, son of the late Beatrice and Maurice Reis, died on Monday, April 21, at the age of 78. He leaves his wife, Pamela; his daughter, Elizabeth (Matthew Dennis) of Eugene, Ore.; his son, David (Donna) of Rye, NY; and five grandchildren: Aaron, Aiden, and Alexander Reis, and Samuel and Leah Reis-Dennis. Ronald Reis owned Reis of New Haven, a necktie manufacturing firm, before he retired at the age of 52. An enthusiastic boater, he was an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 15 years and had many sea rescues to his credit. After retiring from the Auxiliary, he was appointed and reappointed to the volunteer job of Branford Harbormaster for 9 years. A most assiduous public servant, there was rarely a weekend that he was not on the water, monitoring safe boating. He was an unusually talented amateur photographer and, his work was exhibited at the John Slade Ely House in New Haven, the New Britain Art Museum, The Worcester Art Museum, the Dartmouth Art Museum, and several galleries in New York City. Last year, Duke University Library presented a one-man show of his work of the 1960’s and 1970’s, and they have included 289 of his photographs in their permanent collection. These may be viewed on the internet by googling Ronald Reis Photographs. Funeral Services at Cong Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Rd., Orange, WEDNESDAY afternoon at 12:30 p.m., with Interment Services to follow at Beth Israel Cemetery, Derby-Milford Rd., Orange. Memorial Contributions may be sent to The Jewish Family Service or to the charity of one’s choice. A Traditional Period of Mourning will be observed at the family home, 8 Rockland Park, Branford. Funeral Arrangements in care of Robert E. Shure Funeral Home, New Haven. www.shurefuneralhome.com