Homer Thomas Reichenbach (Tom) died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 3, 2023, his 87th birthday. Tom died in his home at Maplewood Park Place in Bethesda, MD. He survived a stroke in 2019, and bravely fought prostate, lung and kidney cancer.
Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Helen D. Reichenbach of Chevy Chase, MD, their four daughters and their spouses, Tammy and John MacWilliams of Quogue, NY, Lisa and Michael Mahoney of West Hartford, CT, Shelly Reichenbach and Jeff Hilliard of Boston, MA and Jodi and John Bedford of Hilton Head, SC, and their nine grandchildren, Jack, Thomas, Maggie, Mac, Katie, Holly, Phineas, Griffin, Emma, and great granddaughter, Artemis.
Tom was born on his family’s farm in Pandora, OH to Homer D. and Selma R. Reichenbach on September 3, 1936. He was the youngest of three boys. He loved sports and music from a young age, and he excelled at both at Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH.
A letter winner in football, baseball, basketball and track, Tom quarterbacked the 1956 and 1957 football teams to two Mid Ohio League championships, and he was inducted into Bluffton’s Athletic Hall of Fame. During his time at Bluffton, he also performed in numerous theatrical performances. He graduated with a BA in Business Administration in 1958. Tom remained a proud alumnus and generous supporter of Bluffton throughout his life. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees.
In 1961, he began his 35 year career in group sales and employee benefits at the Lincoln National Life Insurance Corporation in Washington, DC. Tom was a gifted salesman, relationship builder and group manager. The National Football League Players Association was one of his notable and favorite clients. He was an avid Washington Redskins fan. Through his work representing the NFL, he and Helen enthusiastically attended numerous Super Bowl games.
Music remained important throughout his life. He sang in the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church (CCUMC) choir with his wife, Helen, for over 40 years. Tom took on various leadership roles at CCUMC, spearheading multiple fundraising campaigns. He was active in many charitable and service organizations. In later years, Tom volunteered with the Bethesda Chevy Chase (B-CC) Meals on Wheels program, which he enjoyed and found rewarding.
Tom had an infectious laugh, a priceless sense of humor, and an impeccable sense of style. His gregarious personality lit up the room. He delighted in travel and any new culinary experience. Tom was a caring friend, a man of faith and above all, he adored his family.
There will be a private celebration of his life for family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via check to B-CC Meals on Wheels at 8814 Kensington Parkway, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 or 301-654-4610.
