David Jeffrey Reich, of Middletown, CT, joined His Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, finally peaceful after a long illness. He began his earthly, physical life 64 years ago, born to Sandra (Scheff) and the late Norman Reich. His spiritual life began some 50 years later and continues on forever.

Besides his beloved mother, David leaves behind his loving wife of 39 years, Dale Ann (Romberg), their four children, daughter Samantha (Reich) Williams and her husband Michael, son Evan Reich and his wife Norma (Leaf), son Logan Reich and his wife Sanya (Bhandari), and daughter Linnea Reich; grandsons Ellis and Gray Williams, and Archer Reich; brother Steven and his wife Carole Mackenzie, and many sisters- and brothers-in-law and nephews and nieces.

David endeared himself to everyone with his quiet, gentle spirit, his humor and quick wit, his unpretentious, down-to-earth nature, and his strong sense of duty to his responsibilities.

David's main joy in life was his family, and seeing his children grow up and remain close friends with each other. He enjoyed a wide range of interests over his lifetime, including very long walks around town, hiking (always with a trusty walking stick he would whittle to get to the perfect smoothness), bicycling, painting, playing harmonica (an interest passed down from his grandfather Leo Scheff), vegetable gardening, aquariums, going to fireworks at Harbor Park, camping weekends at Rocky Neck State Park, and nature.

David was born in New Jersey and raised in Manchester, CT, graduated from Manchester High School, received his bachelor's degree from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, a Master of Public Affairs from University of Connecticut, and later, while working full-time and raising a family, obtained his J.D. from Western New England University School of Law in Springfield, MA. He practiced law in the areas of probate, juvenile matters, criminal appeals, and foreclosures. His care for his clients and respect of their dignity, as well as his commitment to integrity were well known and recognized among his colleagues and community. In 2016 David received the Glenn E. Knierim Pro Bono Award for his dedication to the most vulnerable clients.

Please join his family at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown CT, on Saturday, July 27th, at 11:00 a.m. for a celebration of life service; calling hours will be held immediately preceding the service from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CT Legal Rights Project, Inc., Beers Hall, 2nd Floor, PO Box 351, Silver St., Middletown, CT 06457 (http://clrp.org/). To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com .