Obituary of Joel E. Reach
Joel E. Reach
Gilbertsville, NY
Joel E. Reach 81 of Gilbertsville went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 28, 2010 at home with his family by his side. He was born January 8, 1929 in Bibb Co. Alabama to the late Gordon and Annie Mae (Medders) Reach.
Joel married Patricia Terwilliger on July 2, 1954 in Wallkill, NY. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1947. He served his country in WWII during the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War and the Vietnam Pipeline. Joel retired from the Air Force in 1968 and began working for the NYS Bridge Authority. He was a former Scout Master, with Boy Scouts in Naha, Okinawa. Joel was also a past member of the Homestead Everglades Posse, a precision drill team on horseback out of Homestead, FL.
He was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church of Shawangunk, NY where he served as an Elder and Deacon. Joel was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion.
He is survived by:
Wife - Patricia Reach, Gilbertsville
Son - Joel D. Reach and Grandson, Justin Reach of Oneonta
Daughter, Laurie O'Brien and her husband Michael, Bainbridge
Grandsons, Michael Deciano, Williamsburg, VA, Jason (Kristi) Deciano. Newnan, GA
Ryan Deciano, Utica
Son, Jay Christopher Reach, Mt. Upton
Grandson Joshua Reach, Phoenix, AZ
Granddaughters - Jennifer Reach, Walton and Vanessa Nelson, Mt. Upton
Son, Jeremy Reach Yangshuo, China
Sisters, Ruth Crowder, Clarksville, TN Deda Kelly, Fayetteville, NC, Doralee McCool, Tuscaloosa, AL
Several nieces and nephews
He was predeceased by Sister, Yvonne Bowling and brother, Edward Reach
Upon Joel's request services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Circle Drive Alliance Church Building Fund 6 Circle Drive, Sidney, NY 13838
Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney
A Memorial Tree was planted for Joel
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at C H Landers Funeral Home