Obituaries
Richard W. “Dick” Reese, 78
April 06, 2025
Richard W. “Dick” Reese, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, caregiver, and mentor, lost his heroic battle to Parkinson’s at the age of 78 on April 6, 2025, in Lititz, PA. His fighting spirit, sense of humor and zest for life were outmatched only by his dedication to his family.
Richard was born on April 22, 1946, to Edward and Mildred Reese in Lititz, PA. He graduated from Warwick High School in 1964 and from Pennsylvania State University in 1968. He went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1972 where he met the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Nada Stankin Reese.
Richard thrived in his 40-year career as an internal medicine doctor specializing in rheumatology, devoting much of his life to helping others be well. He was instrumental in bringing osteoporosis treatment to Lancaster County, establishing with his colleagues the area’s first osteoporosis center and rheumatology practice. He served as Chair of the Department of Medicine at Lancaster General Hospital and was a mentor in the Family Medicine Residency Program. He assisted with the purchase of 25 acres for the development of the LGH Health Campus and was published in The American Journal of Medicine, the National Library of Medicine and Journal of Lancaster General Hospital. He received the Edward Hand Award in 2018 recognizing his commitment to the medical community and, most of all, was touched by the opportunity to serve his patients as friends.
Richard’s life outside of his profession was even more radiant. His love for travel took him across the globe with family and friends where they enjoyed many unforgettable adventures, including trekking among ancient ruins, rafting through whitewater canyons and camping in the African bush. He loved sports, especially racquetball and tennis, and was an avid Penn State football fan. He took great pride in cheering on his children and grandchildren from the sidelines and loved to recount the highlights from all the games he attended.
Richard lived a purposeful life and found meaningful ways to give to others. His insatiable curiosity led him to pursue many hobbies over the years including beekeeping, gardening, reading history, and taking pilot lessons. He shared with his brothers a knack for spirited storytelling, a pastime which has become a cultural cornerstone of the Reese family. He had a unique combination of brilliance, humility and humor, cracking jokes that made his children laugh to the very end.
Richard leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, kindness, humility, hard work and resilience that will be cherished by all who knew him. He will live on in spirit and through story.
Surviving are Richard’s wife Nada and his loving children, his son Brandon Reese, partner of Melissa Reese of Lititz, PA; his son Jordan Reese, partner of Michael Hastings of Petaluma, CA; and his daughter Stephanie Reese Zahn, partner of Richard Zahn of Lancaster, PA. He was the grandfather of three adoring grandchildren, Oliver and Everett Reese and Roger Zahn. Richard is further survived by two of his brothers James Reese and Timothy Reese, Esq., by sisters-in-law Patricia Dorenkamp-Reese and Kathryn Reese and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Edward Reese and sister-in-law Sandra Reese.
A memorial service will be held at 3PM Friday, April 11th at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike. Visitation will start at 2PM until the time of service. Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Parkinson’s Foundation: www.parkinson.org.
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Condolences to the Family
April 19, 2025
I was a patient of Dr. Reese for about 10 years until his retirement. i got teary when he told me he was retiring as I am teary hearing of his passing. He cared for not only my physical health but also my emotional wellbeing. He always greated me with a smile and remembered from my previous visit where I had last been on my travels. He put me at ease as we shared our mutual interest in travel and gardening. He was full of joy and a healer in every since of the word.
Pam Griffe
April 17, 2025
It is either a heavy heart that write my condolences. I met Dr. Richard in the winter of his life. Let me just say that in the short time of knowing him he was obviously an extraordinary human being and I am honored to have served him! He is flying high, I am sure of it!
Ana Savitski
April 12, 2025
Dear Nada, Jordan, Justin, & Stephanie,
We’re so very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing! He was so great a doctor; Genuinely invested in his patients’ lives. We were so happy to be included in your family gatherings. I distinctly recall Dick’s delicious steaks from the grill, & your lovely yummy capers, salmon, & red onion spreads. Nada, You were a beautiful Hostess not only to your guests who you always treated like family, but I always took notice of your husband’s admiration of you as his wife & always teammates were you two! I hope you’re able to find this most heartfelt sympathy note, & find comfort, pride, & peace in it. May God bless & assure you of Dick’s eternal pain free existence now & forever! You’re in our prayers,
Susannah & Ivory
April 12, 2025
Nada, Brandon, Jordan and Stephanie,
Learning of the passing of Dr. Resse made me sad. Back in the ’90s, he offered strong support of and intense involvement at Eshleman Elementary School– the children, the families, and the teachers. We wish you, his family, comfort at this difficult time, and we thank him for his many contributions that brought joy to the students.
Kathy Legenstein-Brabson
April 10, 2025
I went to high school with Dick and later worked with him at times at LGH. He was always kind ,professional and upbeat in his profession and friendships
He will be greatly missed by many
Sincerely, Don and Donna Heisey and family
April 10, 2025
I was very saddened to learn of Dr. Reese’s passing. I knew him professionally. We usually had conversations at lunch in the Lancaster General Hospital doctors Dinning room. We often discussed travel ideas. Dick had a keen sense of humor. He along with Marlin Wenger set up an excellent Rheumatology practice that benefited the Lancaster County community. Dick also found time to pitch in fulfilling medical staff obligations, which benefitted his medical colleagues. He will be missed. My prayers to the Almighty to give courage to his family to cope with their untimely loss. Dr. Harsh Patel.
April 10, 2025
Our deepest sympathy to Nada and the Family. We knew Dick as a friend, colleague and patient. He took great care of his patients and taught all of us about the subtleties of diagnosing and treating osteoporsis and always with his keen sense of humor.
Dr. Gerald and Carla Rothacker
April 09, 2025
Nada, Brandon, Jordan & Stephanie,
We are deeply saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. It is with a heavy heart that we send our deepest sympathy to you and the Reese family. Dick will truly be missed. Unfortunately are in Florida and cannot attend Dick’s service. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God’s Peace and Love, George & Rosanna
April 09, 2025
His passing is very sad for me, but I know he is now at rest from his disease. Many, many patients knew him and entrusted him with their care. I worked with him for over 20 years-he is the main reason I became the practice manager-he assured me I could do it/he saw something in me, and said he and the other providers would always support me. I retired in Oct of 2023, and I was proud of my work at LGH and Arthritis & Rheumatology. Dr Reese was passionate about family, work, and Penn State. I am now so thankful for the memories-the countless times he would sit in my office with his cup of tea and share a concern or a funny story. I am thankful for the memories and his medical legacy, and beyond grateful to this good man. My sincere condolences to his loving family who meant everything to him.
Wendy Roeder Scheuing
April 09, 2025
Nada and family; Tom and I were very saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. I know the past several years dealing with Parkinson’s were hard but knowing Dick he never lost his positive spirit and radiant smile.Those of us who had the honor of working with him at Lancaster General felt privileged and honored. He was not only a talented and beloved physician but an individual who lit up the room with his sense of humor and positivity. His patients, staff and colleagues loved him and are grateful for having known him. Tom and I have fond memories of our gourmet dinners and tennis matches. It is hard to believe how long ago that was. Our regret is that we lost touch with you over time. We are unfortunately unable to attend Dick’s service as we are out of town but please know we will be with you in thoughts and prayers. Our fond regards to you and your beautiful family, Jan Bergen
April 09, 2025
So many happy memories of the Pickle & his family and our times together since childhood, and so sad that he’s left us too early. Will miss his “hey Beastie” greeting whenever we met, and send my sincere condolences tohis family and friends.
Tim Strickler
April 09, 2025
My sincere condolences to the entire Reese family. I knew Dr. Reese ( Dick) both personally and professionally. He was my doctor for many years. I meet Nada at the Lancaster Medical Alliance when I first moved to town. I worked for Jim and Sandy Reese and know Tim Reese as well. Dick was an exceptional man. He clearly left a mark on the world and thus his spirit will live forever. I am unable to attend the service on April 11 since I will be in California but my thoughts and prayers are with you all as I know he was so deeply loved and this will be a very difficult time. May your shared memories bring you joy and sustain you always. Love Henrietta
April 08, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and strength in the love surrounding you.
Ajay & Neha Bhambri
April 08, 2025
One of the three best brothers a guy could have.
Tim Reese
- Visitation
- Friday, April 11, 2025
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, April 11, 2025
- 3:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
