David Anthony Reeber, 80, of Monroe Twp., NJ, passed away on October 26, 2021 at home with his family from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, after being diagnosed in 2012. He was born February 17, 1941 to Mary (Beha) and Ludwig Reeber.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 57 years, Janice (Clarici), and three daughters who cherished him wholeheartedly, Jaymie Kosa, Jodie Conner and Jillison Brophy. Dave leaves behind his sister, Mary Reeber; brothers, Chris Reeber and Tom Reeber; brother-in-law, Kenneth Clarici; sons-in-law, Scott Conner and James Brophy; many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and devoted friends; and his grandchildren, whom he loved deeply, Trevor Kosa, Delaney Conner, Grant Conner, AnnElyse Kosa, Martin Brophy, Brady Conner, David Brophy, and Matthew Brophy.
Growing up, David attended Trenton Catholic High School where he was a scholar and made the all-county team for football and baseball. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Villanova University where he was the president of Phi Kappa Pi fraternity. He also served in the Army NJ National Guard from 1963-68.
Dave spent the majority of his career in executive leadership positions for Indal Aluminum and Seltzer’s Smokehouse meats. His fondest accomplishment was overseeing the construction of Indal’s Mideast Aluminum Division in Mountaintop, PA. He was present when they broke ground and established a collaborative team that turned it into a viable and collegial establishment. Dave genuinely cared about the people he led and he understood how his integrity helped him to create a workplace where people could better themselves and have fun. He had a gift for making people feel seen and heard.
Dave loved to be active and was able to laugh at himself which helped tremendously as he learned to play tennis, racquetball, and his favorite sport of all time–golf. He was a loyal Eagles fan who held season tickets for many years and a devoted supporter of the Villanova Men’s Basketball team. Thus, 2018 was a banner year!
Dave’s sense of adventure was admirable. He lived to tell of a harrowing Sunfish experience after being caught in a squall off the coast of Curacao with one of his best friends. He loved trout fishing in Canada, skiing in the Poconos, white water rafting on the New River, body surfing at the Jersey Shore, and soaring in a hot air balloon over Hershey PA. He enjoyed vacationing in Stone Harbor, NJ with his family and friends, yucking it up at the 19th hole with his golf buddies, and being with family during the holidays.
Dave always had deep faith in God. He was a life-long Roman Catholic and belonged to St. David the King in West Windsor, NJ; St. Joan of Arc in Hershey, PA, and Our Lady of Grace in Avon Park, FL. He was a peaceful warrior throughout his lifetime and developed countless enduring relationships along his journey. During the final and most trying years of his illness, Dave was always patient and kind. He cared deeply about connecting with people. He cared more about understanding them before he was understood. He cared more about loving people than being loved. Dave’s patience and kindness are what those closest to him will remember most.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrow-St. Anthony Parish, Our Lady of Sorrow RC Church, 3816 East State Street Extension, Hamilton, NJ.
Following Mass, there will be a celebration of David’s life.
Cremation services will be held privately under the direction of the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) by visiting www.lbda.org/donate.
