Dennis Lee "Rick" Reichenberger

Dennis "Rick" Reichenberger, 82 of Pawcatuck and Ledyard, CT, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025 with his beloved wife Donna by his side. He fought a long and courageous battle with Dementia.
Rick was born in Chicago, IL. His family moved to Los Angeles, CA when he was a young boy, following his father's transfer with American Airlines. Rick loved to tell the story of how as a teenager he would lie at the edge of the runway at LAX and watch planes fly overhead.
Rick attended Lutheran schools in Los Angeles and after a year in college, he enlisted in the Navy which brought him to the East Coast. He was extremely proud of his 24 years of Navy service and his many military achievement awards, medals and commendations. Rick was a Senior Chief Sonar Technician aboard submarines and concluded his active service in shore assignments at the Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT as Leading Chief Petty Officer in the Tactical Training Department.
After his Navy career, Rick worked at the former Analysis & Technology as a government contractor for 15 years and then another 15 years as a technical writer supporting Radio Frequency Distribution Control Systems (submarines) at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, RI. During his working career, he earned his Bachelor's Degree at Eastern Connecticut State University and his Master of Science Degree in Computer & Information Science at the University of New Haven.
Rick was a true outdoorsman. He was happiest when out in nature hiking, fishing, skiing, scuba diving, sailing throughout New England and spending time at the beach. He would never hesitate to rescue any injured bird or animal (wild or domestic). He also loved his precious Bichon Frise, 'Buttons', that he lost after 18 years.
Rick was a lifetime member of the Groton Sportsmen's Club, a 50-year member of the Mason's Coastal Lodge No. 57 A.F. and A.M. of Stonington, CT, a member of the Holland Club and the Submarine Veteran's Club.
During his Navy and post-Navy careers, Rick traveled throughout the world, but his fondest memories were his vacations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Vermont and especially Maine with his wife Donna.
Rick was a kind, thoughtful and gentle soul with sparkling blue eyes and an infectious smile. He was a true and loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather and friend. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.
Besides his wife, the love of his life and companion of 35 years, Donna Morris, Rick is survived by his sister Terry Corkery (husband Shawn), daughter Heidi McIndoo (husband Sean) and grandchildren, Laila and Colin McIndoo. He was predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Valeria Reichenberger and by his sister Gail Reichenberger.
A graveside burial service with full military honors will be held at a later date. Donations in Rick's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or the National Parks Conservation Association (npca.org/give/memorial-tribute-giving). Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, Westerly is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
I bid you "Fair Winds and Following Seas", my dear Rick!