Robert R. Reitz

Robert R. Reitz, 79, of Kennett Square, PA, passed away May 19, 2023.

Born December 18, 1943 in Oklahoma City, OK, he was a son of the late Dr. Percy Allison and Hazel (nee Thomison) Reitz. He grew up in Pittsburg, Texas, where his father was a well-respected physician, and his mother was involved in civic activities.

A Ph.D. chemist, Bob retired in 2004 after 30 years in research with the DuPont Company, having worked at the Beaumont Works in Beaumont, Texas, and at the Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware. Through his work, he obtained two patents. He was a member of the American Chemical Society. He earned a BS degree from Austin College, a PhD in organic chemistry from Kansas State University, and a one-year post-doctorate degree from Ohio State University.

After retirement, Bob worked for several years with a friend who had a portable sawmill which they pulled around Chester and Delaware Counties, milling trees for friends and acquaintances. Bob was a hunter, a woodworker, and a devoted Habitat for Humanity volunteer. He ran track in his college years, most recently played pickleball, and enjoyed playing corn hole with friends. Bob was a nearly 40-year member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where he served as an Elder, assisted with Bible School, organized 15 annual intergenerational Habitat work trips to Garret County, Maryland, and was involved with Living Waters for the World projects in Honduras.

Bob was the beloved husband of Rhoda M. McNitt; adoring father of Andy Reitz (Jenn) and Amy Reitz (Gia Carroll); loving step-father of Michael Ayers (Kim); proud grandfather of Riley, Isla, Harper, Alexa, Nathan, and Vivi. He is survived by his twin sister, Sharon Jackson (Robert) of Colorado; sister-in-law Jeanne Reitz of Oklahoma; and his former spouse, Janice D. Johnson Manos, of Georgia. He was predeceased by his older brother, Ronald C. Reitz.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W Pleasant Grove Rd, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Chester County at https://www.hfhcc.org/ or to Living Waters for the World at https://www.livingwatersfortheworld.org/online-giving-form