Reifsteck
Richard J. “Rich” Reifsteck, 81, of Altoona, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday at his home after an extended illness. He was born in Altoona, the son of John H. and C. Ruth (Orange) Reifsteck.
On Feb. 14, 1986, he married Victoria Shaw in Hagerstown, Md. They shared 37 amazing years together.
Rich is survived by his wife; daughters, Diana Worley and Jennifer Cuddington (Todd); grandchildren: Stefan (Julia), Emily, Matthew (Amanda) and Joe Majcher and Cassie and Alexis Cuddington; and a great-grandson, Arthur Majcher.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; and cousin, Cheryl Kaiser.
Rich was a 1960 graduate of Altoona High School. After high school, he spent four years as an air policeman in the Air Force K-9 unit, serving in the Philippines with his favorite German Shepard, Cognac, as well as in Germany and Greece.
After his honorable discharge, Rich followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the Altoona Police Department for six years. He later served more than 20 years as a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper. Rich was a firearms instructor while in the PSP and received numerous awards in marksmanship during his career.
He developed a lifelong passion for airplanes as a young boy, inspired by his Uncle Dick, a WWII pilot. Rich shared this love with many, encouraging some to earn their wings. He enjoyed building model airplanes, military history, air shows, target shooting, his dogs (Millie and Mason), photography and working on cars, especially his ’57 Chevy. Rich had a gift for fixing things, and his love of life was often revealed in a joke and a mischievous smile. Most of all, Rich loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandson.
He dedicated his life to serving others and was a member of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association; NRA; Blair County Game, Fish and Forestry Association; Blair County Historical Society; American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Friends will be received from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, 2023, at the funeral home, with Pastor John Godissart officiating. A graveside service will immediately follow with Military Honors conducted by the United States Air Force and the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rich’s memory may be made to Pinnacle Hospice, 5410 Sixth Ave., Suite 1, Altoona, PA 16602.
thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com
