Thomas Reiter Obituary

Thomas G. Reiter

Thomas G. Reiter, 87, of Pemberville, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Otterbein SeniorLife in Pemberville. Tom was born October 18, 1938, in Bluffton, to the late Clarence and Hope (Carr) Reiter. His boyhood home was the Village of Mount Cory, where he lived with his parents and only sibling, Marilyn, until his marriage September 6, 1959, when he and his bride, Roberta (Hause) Reiter, moved to Bowling Green, to finish their studies at Bowling Green State University.

Tom graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1956. His experience as a high school athlete led him to a career of 30 years as a teacher and coach in the Pandora-Gilboa, Lima Shawnee, and Eastwood school systems, from which he retired in 1992. He received his master's degree from Bowling Green in 1970, majoring in Special Education, which enabled him to initiate Eastwood's first high school special education program. In 1970, he also achieved a career goal as he was named the boys basketball coach at Eastwood, a position he held until stepping down in 1974. In 1981, he became Eastwood's OWA (Occupational Work Adjustment) coordinator-teacher, a position he held until his retirement in 1992, earning him Eastwood's Golden Eagle Award in 1982 for his efforts to improve the program.

Never one to enjoy being idle, and even before his retirement from teaching, he purchased a small stained-glass business which he managed from 1983-2002. In 2002, he sold the small glass business. He partnered with family members in the purchase of the Easy Living Apartments in Pemberville, which he managed until health issues forced his retirement in 2022. Tom also served his community in many ways through the years. He served on the Pemberville Village Council from 1977-2000, as well as shorter tenures as president of Pemberville's Pool Board, Youth Baseball Association, and Eastwood's Youth Soccer League during the mid-seventies and early eighties, as well as coaching youth baseball and soccer teams.

During his many years as a village councilman, his interest in community recreation prompted his appointment as chairman of the Pemberville Park Board as well as the Committee for Lands and Buildings. It was in these capacities that he was able to provide leadership and hands-on work to improve many facilities and initiate events that improved Pemberville's recreation opportunities.

In 1980, he, along with runner-friend Mitch Freeman, founded the Pemberville five-miler, a run that began with sixty-some participants that now often draws 500-plus runners thanks to efforts of Freeman and current organizer, Keith Madaras, and the blessing of Pemberville Fair Board, an accomplishment that has always been a source of pride.

As a tennis enthusiast/player of many years, Tom spent early years working to improve the town's only tennis court. As a result of his persistence, the town received a grant from the state of Ohio to construct an additional court and upgrade the lighting and court surfaces. He then organized and directed the "Pemberville Open," which drew local as well as area tennis players of all ages for the years of its existence, in addition to giving free lessons.

One of Tom's greatest joys was spending time with friends and family over the years. Be it hosting them at home, or packing them into the "party" van for a road trip to an out-of-town event, Tom (and Roberta) enjoyed their cheerful company, laughter, and loving support for many years, often crediting them with keeping them "young" even as they aged. They enjoyed music and dancing, dining out, as well as sports and movies, with both family and friends all their lives. In 2018, to celebrate their 80th birthdays, they hosted over 100 friends at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg.

Tom loved his family above all else, and his most cherished time was just being in their company. Surviving him are his wife of 67 years, Roberta; son, Dr. Jeff Reiter of Maumee; daughter, Melissa Birge of London, England; and son, Craig Reiter of Minnesota; grandchildren, Grace, Lydia, Ami, Thomas, Joseph, Bobby; and sister, Marilyn Deter.

Family and friends will be received 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, at Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home, 4094 State Route 105, Pemberville. A Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home Saturday, April 18, 2026, with additional visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. Officiating will be the Reverends Jim Miller and Julie Kling. A bereavement luncheon will be served at Gathering Place in downtown Pemberville immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials take the form of contributions to Pemberville Freedom Volunteer Fire & EMS Association or Eastwood Retired Teachers' Fund (make checks payable to Eastwood Educational Foundation).

Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory, or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com