Obituary of Carl F. Reicher

Carl F. Reicher, 91 of Freedom, NH passed away May 21, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Britain, CT on January 6, 1927 to the late John Reicher and Caroline Hammer Reicher. He attended schools in New Britain including trade school then began work with Lassy Tool. Shortly after he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WW2 in the fall of 1944. He attended basic training in Memphis Tenn. followed by Aviation Machinist Mates school in Norman Oklahoma. He then continued his training further at Aerial Gunners Mate training school in Pensacola, Florida. His assignments lead him to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, a tour onboard the USS Puget Sound from Alameda California, Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station Hawaii and served until the end of the war. Soon after his return he met the love of his life, Loretta Reicher (Fortier) of Waterbury at a romantic Big Band dance at Lake Compounce in Southington and it was love at first site. They married September 1948. Carl and Loretta then spent most their lives in Southington, CT where they raised their family for more than 30 years. He worked briefly for Berlin Tool and Die then transferred to Gilford MFG in Kensington where he later purchased the business and became owner. He enjoyed boating, fishing, camping and campfires especially at the families favorite location on Sebago Lake in Maine. After his retirement, He and Loretta later moved to Lillian Alabama for a few years until Loretta’s passing, He then returned to live near his family and brothers in Plainville for 20 years. He was a member of St. Domenic’s Church in Southington, CT where you would find him every Sunday morning greeting parishioners and handing out bulletins. The last 6 months of his life he enjoyed living with and near his children in Freedom, NH. He was a loving father and grandfather and had an infectious smile that drew people toward him. He lit up a room when he entered and always had quick wit and sense of humor and charisma. He was one of the Original Patriots fans way back when they were still the Boston Patriots as well as the Cincinnati Reds. He absolutely loved country music and his favorite singer was Johnny Cash. Carl was very handsome in his own country western shirts and beloved cowboy boots. He was also a fan of John Wayne and spent many hours relaxing in front of his tv watching old westerns. He was also an avid reader as long as he was able. He was loved dearly and will forever live in our hearts. Carl was predeceased by his loving wife of 49 years Loretta Reicher (Fortier). Also preceded in death by his bothers John and Alfred. Survivors include his daughter Christine O’Brien his son David Reicher and his wife Carmen, his son Carl A. Reicher his daughter Karen Collier and her husband Frank; 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter. His burial will be a graveside service with Military Honors will be held Monday, June 4, 2018 at 1pm at St. Thomas Cemetery in Southington, CT