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Ronald Samuel Reinig, PhD, 79, died July 31, at his home surrounded by family including his wife of 22 years, Barbara Tan. He was born December 31, 1933 in Buffalo, New York, son of the late Frances and Dorothy Reinig.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Franklin of Tonawanda, New York, and Spencer of Depew, New York. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Tan; his loving sister, Dorothy Jean Blazynski of Orchard Park, New York; his daughter, Leslie Tan (Kevin Martin) of Kent, Ohio; and two sons, Christopher Tan (Cindy) of South Burlington, Vermont and Craig Tan (Kristin) of Ashburn, Virginia. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Xander and Lyssa Tan of South Burlington, Vermont; Trevor, Griffin and Gavin Tan of Ashburn, Virginia and James and Erik Martin of Kent, Ohio; two great nephews, Spencer and Brandon Murray of Cleveland Ohio as well as his niece, their mother, Tammy Murray.
Other survivors include nieces, Barbara Blazynski of Orchard Park, New York; Sandra Blazynski of Atlanta, Georgia; nephews Walter Blazynski (Sally) of Amhurst, New York; Bruce Blazynski (Susan) of Alden, New York; Brian Blazynski (Debra) of Amhurst, New York; Richard Reinig of Tonewanda, New York, John Rienig (Barbara) of Los Angeles, California and other nephews.
Dr. Reinig was a Professor at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania for thirty-four years, teaching in the departments of History and later, Social Work. He reached the highest level in his profession, Full Professor, in just eight years. He was honored to be named a Commonwealth Fellow for Excellence in Teaching by the State System of Higher Education. Dr. Reinig retired in 2003.
In one of the most intelligent decisions of his life, Ron, at twenty years old, volunteered to be drafted into the U.S. Army in October, 1954. This qualified him for the G.I. Bill for Education and upon discharge from his service he attended Buffalo State College, earning his Bachelors in Education. He went on to earn an M.A. in History and a PhD in Social Sciences at Syracuse University. He later completed a Masters of Social Work at West Virginia University.
Ron belonged to the Unitarian Universalist Church for forty years. He was a member of ACLU for forty-four years and a very active member of the Democratic Party in Erie County since his arrival in 1969. During his teaching at EUP, he was active in educating students that they participate in their democratic government by volunteering, whatever their party.
Ron’s passions were playing tennis, following the Buffalo Bills, wishing for a Stanley Cup for the Sabres and playing with his grandchildren. He was an avid supporter of the arts in Erie. He loved music, theater and movies. Ron taught a course, The American Dream on Film, in which he used classic films to illustrate artistic, social, political and historical influences. He financially supported many organizations and charities including veterans, native American education, feeding and housing of the homeless; he also supported civil rights and women’s issues to name just a few. He was a member of Erie County MH/MR from 2004 to 2011, serving at various times as Board Member, Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Secretary and at Christmas time, Santa Claus.
Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home, 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on, Friday, August 3, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.. and are invited to attend memorial services there on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Steve Aschmann officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Erie, 7180 Perry Highway, Erie, PA 16509; or Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16503.
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