DUDLEY – Alfred C. Reich, Jr., 87, died Thursday, January 30, 2025 in UMass/Memorial University Campus, Worcester.
He leaves his wife of 66 years, Nancy B. (Ducharme) Reich; 3 children, Anne L. Melendez of Webster, Christopher R. Reich of Stuart, FL, and Jonathan Reich and his wife Liliana of Dudley; 6 grandchildren, Christopher J. Melendez and his wife Meredith, Matthew C. Reich and his fiancée Peyton Guess, Tyler Reich and his wife Alexa, Ruben Reich, Gabriel Reich and Wilson Reich; 4 great-grandchildren, Camden, Jaxon, Brayden and Charlie; nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his grandson Jesse C. Melendez in 2014, by his grandson Julian Reich in 2022, and by 3 sisters Freida, Marion and Mildred.
He was born on April 9, 1937 in Webster, the son of Alfred C. Reich, Sr. and Elsie (Miller) Reich and graduated from Saint Louis High School in 1955. He earned his Bachelors of Science Degree from Worcester State College in 1970, his first Masters Degree in Education in 1973, his second Masters Degree in Counseling in 1980, an Associates Degree in Science and Law Enforcement in 1986 and was awarded a Graduate Degree in Education in 1990 from Worcester State College.
Mr. Reich was a U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1955 to 1958. As a naval reservist he served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Somalia and the Haitian Crisis, where he saw action serving with the 1st Marine Division. He also was recalled for special work in Operation Sea Signal. He retired from the reserves in 1997 with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. From 1999 to 2001 he worked on the United Nations International Police Task Force as a station commander in Capljina, Bosnia and Herzogovina. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Webster-Dudley American Legion Post # 184 and the Disabled American Veterans.
He was first employed as police officer for the Webster Police Department from 1960 to 1973, attaining the rank of sergeant. He was the juvenile probation officer for Southern Worcester County and later became an adult probation officer for the Southern Worcester County District before retiring in 1998. He was also a teacher of social studies at Southbridge Junior High School for one year and then tutor at the Worcester County House of Correction.
He was a member of Saint Louis Church in Webster. He was a founder of the Dudley Peewee Football League and later coached his own sons in the Dudley Little League. As an avid Red Sox fan he revered Ted Williams. He loved to read and liked to golf.
He served as a selectman for the Town of Dudley from 2003 to 2006. He also was a Notary Public and a Justice of the Peace. He was long time member of Bay Path Regional Technical School Committee. His life was dedicated to his family and his community.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, February 8, from the Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Saint Louis Church, 14 Lake Street, Webster. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family with military honors provided by the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, February 7, in the funeral home. Donations in his memory may be made to Saint Louis Church, 52 Negus Street, Webster, MA 01570.