With profound sadness, the family of Michael S. Reiter announces his passing on February 24, 2021, at Hackensack University Medical Center/Meridian Health, following a brief and aggressive illness. Michael, 67, was the loving and much-loved husband of Leslie (Vingan) Reiter, and father of Allison (Reiter) DiNapoli (husband Mark) and Adam Reiter.
Mr. Reiter was born in Los Angeles, California, January 29, 1954, son of Phyllis (Goffman) Reiter, currently of West Hartford, CT, and the late Abraham Reiter. He graduated from Granada Hills High School and received a BA degree in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Michael enjoyed a 40-year career, initially as a journalist and editor at two California papers (Camarillo and Merced) and ultimately, City Editor of the Danbury (CT) News-Times. He then spent over 25 years at IBM in Corporate Communications, retiring in 2016.
A resident of Brookfield for the past 39 years, Michael enjoyed outdoor activities, neighborhood hikes, golfing, barbecuing, and reading on the deck. He was a voracious reader, and always had a book or two on hand or on the iPad, with History and Politics his favorites. In retirement, Michael immersed in a bit of communications consulting work and many volunteer pursuits, most of them using all facets of his communications expertise. He worked as a Literacy volunteer, helping non-native speakers to learn and improve their English.
He helped one of his students attain citizenship, prepping her for the exam. He edited the town newsletter and supported the First Selectman with related town communications. Additionally, he worked weekly at the town’s Food Pantry to stock and service the needs of town residents, and actively worked the town polls at every local and federal election.
Michael was a member of the United Jewish Center of Danbury for 26 years and supported the UJC Brotherhood in community service projects.
In addition to his wife Leslie of over 37 years, children and mother, Michael is survived by sisters Janice (Reiter) Barshay (husband Stephen) and Marcia (Reiter) Macca (husband Bob), all of West Hartford, CT, brother-in-law Dr. Roy Vingan of Saddle River, NJ, and 12 loving nieces and nephews across the country. He fought courageously and is already missed beyond measure by a large extended family and many loving friends.
Due to the concerns regarding large social gatherings, graveside funeral services and interment will be held privately for the immediate family at the United Jewish Center Cemetery, Gray’s Bridge Road, Brookfield on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 1 p.m., with Cantor Penny Kessler officiating, and a Zoom link provided. Shiva will be observed over Zoom at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday through Tuesday, February 28 to March 2.