Goodbye my friend. I hope your ride was a good one. Richie started at U of R in English, and finished at U of Md in music.
Richie left U of R after sophmore year. But we stayed in touch, did some family vacations together at Bethany Beach and Rodanthe, NC, and watched a Potomac River flood on TV news in his apartment, because my wife and I had been evacuated from our Belle View,VA basement apartment. Richie practiced his saxophone every day. On vacations he did it in a coat closet, to minimize the impact on the rest of us Our first children (sons) were both born in 1977, and a year later our families shared a beach house in Rodanthe. Back then Rodanthe was just a fishing pier and a few scattered houses. There was just one little "general store" and one gas station, both located at the intersection of NC 12 and the pier access road. Good times.
Emmy Award-Winning Composer, Musician, Teacher & Family Man
Born January 27, 1947, in Washington DC. "Richie" grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Working for his father at popular DC neighborhood delicatessen Posin's, he learned firsthand the importance of community and integrity. As a teen, he was deeply inspired by the March on Washington and the social justice movement of the 60's. A true leader by example, he would go on to dedicate his life to promoting equality and love with his kind spirit and musical gifts.
Richie completed his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1970 and received his master's from The Catholic University of America in 1972. While in college he met his soul mate, Susan Reiter (Feldman), best friend and wife of 52 years.
Richard appeared on many recordings, including his five albums. He was a sought out backing musician, appearing live in concert with many music legends, including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. In 1979, Richard received an EMMY Award for Best Musical Score for an Independent Production for his music to the documentary "Generation on the Wind". In 1980, he was on-stage soloist in Bob Fosse's Broadway musical "Dancin'".
He shared his joy of music with the hundreds of students he taught and mentored. Later in life he held drum circles at community events for everyone from kindergarteners to seniors.
Richie was preceded in death by his loving parents Jerry and Ruth Reiter of Silver Springs, MD. Richie is survived by his wife Susan of New Jersey, Son Michael Reiter of Connecticut, and his wife Anna and their 3 children, Jack, Kay and Clare. Daughter Martha Shapiro of California, and her husband Todd and their 2 children, Bruno and Russell. He was also adored by his cousins and hundreds of friends. He cultivated genuine relationships with everyone he met.
Richie will be remembered for his kindness, curious spirit, generosity, and humor. In his final days he reminded all those close to him that his family's love was truly his greatest accomplishment.
There will be a service at B'nai Keshet in Montclair at 5:15pm on Saturday, January 27th. The family will sit Shiva on Sunday, January 28th from 1-4pm at their home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the Trevor Project.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Star-Ledger from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2024.
(Dr) "Bob" Kettig (1969)
Goodbye my friend. I hope your ride was a good one. Richie started at U of R in English, and finished at U of Md in music.
Richie left U of R after sophmore year. But we stayed in touch, did some family vacations together at Bethany Beach and Rodanthe, NC, and watched a Potomac River flood on TV news in his apartment, because my wife and I had been evacuated from our Belle View,VA basement apartment. Richie practiced his saxophone every day. On vacations he did it in a coat closet, to minimize the impact on the rest of us Our first children (sons) were both born in 1977, and a year later our families shared a beach house in Rodanthe. Back then Rodanthe was just a fishing pier and a few scattered houses. There was just one little "general store" and one gas station, both located at the intersection of NC 12 and the pier access road. Good times.
(Dr) "Bob" Kettig (1969)
Richard Reiter Obituary
Emmy Award-Winning Composer, Musician, Teacher & Family Man
Born January 27, 1947, in Washington DC. "Richie" grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Working for his father at popular DC neighborhood delicatessen Posin's, he learned firsthand the importance of community and integrity. As a teen, he was deeply inspired by the March on Washington and the social justice movement of the 60's. A true leader by example, he would go on to dedicate his life to promoting equality and love with his kind spirit and musical gifts.
Richie completed his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1970 and received his master's from The Catholic University of America in 1972. While in college he met his soul mate, Susan Reiter (Feldman), best friend and wife of 52 years.
Richard appeared on many recordings, including his five albums. He was a sought out backing musician, appearing live in concert with many music legends, including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. In 1979, Richard received an EMMY Award for Best Musical Score for an Independent Production for his music to the documentary "Generation on the Wind". In 1980, he was on-stage soloist in Bob Fosse's Broadway musical "Dancin'".
He shared his joy of music with the hundreds of students he taught and mentored. Later in life he held drum circles at community events for everyone from kindergarteners to seniors.
Richie was preceded in death by his loving parents Jerry and Ruth Reiter of Silver Springs, MD. Richie is survived by his wife Susan of New Jersey, Son Michael Reiter of Connecticut, and his wife Anna and their 3 children, Jack, Kay and Clare. Daughter Martha Shapiro of California, and her husband Todd and their 2 children, Bruno and Russell. He was also adored by his cousins and hundreds of friends. He cultivated genuine relationships with everyone he met.
Richie will be remembered for his kindness, curious spirit, generosity, and humor. In his final days he reminded all those close to him that his family's love was truly his greatest accomplishment.
There will be a service at B'nai Keshet in Montclair at 5:15pm on Saturday, January 27th. The family will sit Shiva on Sunday, January 28th from 1-4pm at their home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the Trevor Project.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Star-Ledger from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2024.