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William Craig Reber

1951 - 2023

William Craig Reber obituary, 1951-2023, Reamstown, PA

BORN

1951

DIED

2023

William Reber Obituary

William Craig Reber, 72, of Reamstown, Lancaster County, died Saturday, Nov. 4 in Philadelphia. He was the husband of Dona Breckle Reber, with whom he celebrated 48 years of marriage in September. Born in Reading on May 17, 1951, Bill was the son of Ruby McCallum Reber and the late William Robert Reber. A graduate of Penn State University and Wilson High School, Bill was a newspaper editor and reporter for 40 years before retiring in 2018. He worked at the Reading Eagle, Morning Call, Times News (Lehighton) and Pocono Record, winning numerous state awards. He was a member of Stroudsburg Borough Council from 1992-2000 and served as president. Bill's greatest joy was traveling holidays with family in Nashville and Oregon, Boy Scout trips to New Mexico and Canada, trips to Europe with Dona, and many bike trips in the U.S. and Europe with friends and family. He was the family's photographer, cook, and best joke teller. In his spare time he ran, rode bikes, and read library books and magazines. He watched old movies, and, when he could bear it, Penn State football. Bill is survived by his wife; sons, William Reber, of Portland, Oregon, Chris Reber, of Reamstown, and Byron Reber (Laurie), of Hendersonville, Tennessee; mother, Ruby Reber, of Sinking Spring; brothers, John Reber of Sinking Spring, David Reber (Marie) of Valley Forge, Byron Reber (Alicia) of Englewood, Florida; sister, Andrea Boerger (Matthew) of Wyomissing; nieces and nephews; and grandson Walter William Reber of Hendersonville, Tennessee. A memorial bicycle ride will take place Friday, Nov. 24 at 10:30 a.m. on the Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail, starting at the Winters Leadership Memorial, 200 Railroad Ave., Ephrata. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Ephrata Area Social Services and Clyde F. Barker Penn Transplant House.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Reading Eagle from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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daniel p kelly

December 7, 2023

Bill was one of my favorite people at the Eagle. I was shocked to see his obit on FB. I knew he was a runner and cyclist so his death caught me by surprise. Blessings and condolensces to his family.

Chris Murdock

November 21, 2023

I never had the pleasure to meet Bill but worked with Dona for many years. Dona is a special person and I know Bill was her life. My prayers go out to Dona and the family as they move through this challenging time. Peace be with you and the family.

Marj Shearer

November 14, 2023

I met Bill in fourth grade, even then he had a great sense of humor and a cute grin! After college we met again at his buddy and our friend John Simboli´s wedding in Texas. Then a few years ago we reconnected with him and Dona and enjoyed their stories and laughed a lot. He was always curious, funny, loved his sons and grandson and most of all Dona! My heart goes out to all his family and friends, it is so hard to lose a man like Bill who really enjoyed life. May his memory always be a blessing,

B. Heesen

November 13, 2023

So sad to hear of Bill's passing. Working together in the newsroom, I remember Bill for his humor and laid-back manner. He seemed to be unconcerned with offending anyone, yet I also saw him as a very caring person. He would ask how my parents are or my young nieces and nephews, and he always seemed genuine rather than simply polite.

We miss you, Bill! I'm not sure if it's allowed in Heaven, but if possible, please wear the jean shirt so we can spot you quickly when we get there.

Schweitzer Kathy

November 12, 2023

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May GOD bring comfort and peace for each new tomorrow.

Robert Newpher Sr.

November 12, 2023

Dona and family so sorry for your loss, may Bill rest in peace.

Jan P Gyomber

November 12, 2023

Dona and all the Reber family,
I' m so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great guy.

Char MacLeod

November 12, 2023

Dona,
So sorry for your loss of your beloved husband. May the love of your family and friends help to carry you through your grief. Hugs.
Char
(workout buddy)

Jim Rusnak, Penn State

November 12, 2023

Dona, so sorry to read of Bill´s passing. May his soul rest in peace and you be comforted by fond memories and the presence of family and friends.

Cliff

November 12, 2023

So sorry to hear of Billys passing he will be missed very much by myself and the entire Wilson Class of 1969.On your worst day he could put a smile on your face .Well Done Billy!

John Boor

November 11, 2023

So sorry to gear of Bill´s passing. I hope your loving memories of him will hasten your healing from the grief of his passing.

Tony Lucia

November 11, 2023

Miss you, Bill!
Dona, I know you have a lot of great memories to rerun in your heart. May they bring you more joy than sadness.

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