Dr. Dale H. Reinecker, 84, of Denver, died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, at 10:53 p.m. at Denver Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Stevens.
Born in York Springs, he was the son of the late Charles D. and Faith (Peters) Reinecker. He was the husband of Joan B. (Knisley) Reinecker whom he married on Christmas day, 1952.
He began his education in an Adams County one-room school and graduated in 1947 from York Springs High School. He continued his education at Gettysburg College majoring in mathematics and graduating in 1951 with a bachelor of arts degree. He received his master of science degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 1956 and a Doctor of Education in 1972 from Temple University. He held a letter of eligibility for Pennsylvania superintendents, assistant superintendents, secondary principal and a permanent teacher’s certification.
Dr. Reinecker enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951, was commissioned in 1952 as a 1st Lt. and continued his military career in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, retiring in January 1981 with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
After discharge from active duty in 1960, he taught mathematics at Boiling Springs High School, January 1960 to June 1961 when he accepted the position of director of general educational development at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. In Sept. 1962, he accepted a position at Carlisle High School teaching geometry, algebra and vocational development. In 1964 he was named assistant principal at Carlisle. Dr. Reinecker was named superintendent of the Scotland School for Veteran’s Children in Scotland, Pa., in Oct. 1966 where he served until June of 1973. At this time, he accepted the superintendency at Exeter Township School District, Reading. In February of 1983 he assumed the position of school superintendent of Red Lion School District, from which he retired in 1990. During this 10-year period he was also superintendent of record on a part-time basis for the York County Vocational-technical School. After his retirement he served as director of the York County Teacher Recruiting Consortium until July 2000. Until his illness he was serving as a student teacher/monitor for Alvernia University in Reading.
During his tenure at Scotland School he received recognition from the PA House of Representatives for excellent work and for acknowledging innovative leadership in the school program and was recognized by the PA Jewish War Veterans for his dedication to educational programs and humanitarian deeds.
Dr. Reinecker maintained membership in the American Association of School Superintendents and was an official delegate from 1980-1985, was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators serving on the Legislative Committee, the Executive Board, the Convention Program Committee, was vice-president in 1982 and president in 1983. He retained membership in Phi Delta Kappa, served on the Berks County Unit 14 Vo-Tech Advisory Committee and the PA Department of Education Finance Committee.
Dr. Reinecker was also very active in the communities where he lived, and was presently a member of Swamp Lutheran Church in Reinholds, the Rotary International Clubs: Exeter Township, Red Lion, and Denver/Ephrata; past president of Easter Seals of Berks County, Lancaster County Library System as a board member, Thrivent for Lutherans as a board member and vice-president, and he directed The United Way Campaign in 1984 for Red Lion area.
An avid reader, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, hunting, and traveling to places such as China, Viet Nam, Finland, England, Iceland, Hawaii, Guam, etc.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons: Dr. Randal C., husband of Kaarin Reinecker of Exeter Township; and Dr. Rick A., husband of Regina Reinecker of Adamstown; two daughters: Robyn R., wife of Dr. John Reihner of Washington, Pa.; Roslyn A., wife of Mark A. Bansner of Adamstown; seven grandchildren: Dr. Christian Reinecker and wife Colleen, James Reinecker, Stephen Reihner and wife Rachelle, Thomas Reihner and wife Elyse, Michelle Reihner and fiancé Cody Conner, Emily Bansner Linn and husband Dr. Colin Linn, Garrett M. Bansner and fiancé Victoria Summers; and two great-grandsons: Carson Garrett Bansner and Kolt David Reihner.
Services were held Sept. 8 at Swamp Lutheran Church, Reinholds, with Pastor Dennis L. Trout officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Full military honors will be accorded.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Swamp Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds, PA 17569, or Friends of the Adamstown Area Library, 3000 N. Reading Road, PO Box 356, Adamstown PA 19501, or Ephrata Rotary Club Scholarship, c/o Ephrata National Bank MMG, P.O. Box 457, Ephrata, PA 17522.
Arrangements handled by Roseboro Stradling Funeral & Cremation Services, Denver. Online condolences can be given at roseborostradling.com.