Joseph J. Reiter, 72, of Schwenksville, formerly of New Tripoli, died suddenly May 17, 2021, in his home.

He and his wife, Patricia M. (Pogwist) Reiter, were married 48 years on Sept. 30, 2020.

Born Aug. 25, 1948, in Allentown, he was the son of the late Joseph L. and Mary A. (Novak) Reiter.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division, 7th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery during the Vietnam War era.

He was a branch manager for the former Giles and Ransome Caterpillar dealership, Whitehall, for 46 years before retiring.

He was a member of the North End and Ontelaunee Rod and Gun club, both in New Tripoli, and the Lehigh Valley Trap League.

He formerly served as chairman of the Weisenberg Township Zoning Hearing Board, a former Northwestern Lehigh School Board member, and on various committees for the Lehigh County Technical Schools, as well as Penn College, Williamsport, advocating for vocational technical education.

He was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, Schwenksville, and a former member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Orefield.

His most favorite pastime was hunting and fishing with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Brian E. and his wife, Elise, and Christopher M. and his wife, Heather, all of Royersford; brothers Stephen F. and his wife, Gloria, of Fogelsville, Edward L. and his wife, Ann, of New Tripoli, Michael R. and his wife, Brenda, of Coplay; grandchildren Andrew, Zachary, Lauren and Abigail; and several aunts, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. May 24 at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield, with the Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Wargo as celebrant.

Family and friends may pay their respects in the church 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday.

Interment with military honors will conclude at Rescurrection Cemetery, Wescosville.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Memorial Fund, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.