Robert Reider 1932-2026

He was born Sept. 19, 1932, in Barnesboro, Pa., the son of the late Harry E. Reider Sr. and Violet Davis Reider, and was formerly of Newton Falls, where he graduated in the Class of 1951. He relished being a “Tiger,” enjoyed theater and Boys State, and excelled in varsity football, basketball and baseball, earning letters and igniting his lifelong love of sports.

After graduating, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lyons, the mother of his first son, Robert “Gary” Reider. He would later meet his second wife, Joanne R. Rowan, while they were working together at Copperweld Steel Company and sharing a love of bowling. With Betty, he shared a cherished 47 years of marriage until her death in 2005.

Jack began his career as a welder with letters of recommendation from the American Welding Co. of Warren, where he became a machinist first class. He went on to work in plant maintenance/management at CSC in Warren, where he retired after 35 years in 1991. He transitioned into maintenance consulting for General Motors in Lordstown, finally retiring in 1995 to devote time to his love of golfing, hunting and fishing.

Jack met his longtime companion, Doris Fowler, in 2008; they would share the remainder of her life together until her passing in 2023.

Robert took great pride in being a deacon and the treasurer of First Congregational Church in Newton Falls, while Doris sang in the choir.

He was an all-around sportsman and excelled at hunting, fishing and golfing, having his last hole-in-one at the age of 85. He would never miss a Cleveland Indians or Browns game if he could help it, and every Saturday was reserved for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

In his later years, Jack enjoyed spending time with his youngest son, Steven; his daughters, Tammy and Vickie, and their families; and especially his best friend, Joe Costrella, who would visit him weekly.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Betty Balogh; his second wife, Joanne Reider; his eldest son, Robert Gary Reider; two brothers, Harry E. Reider Jr. and Rodney Reider; his eldest granddaughter, Brandy (Coy) Cesene; and his longtime partner, Doris Fowler.

He is survived by two daughters, Tammy L. McGrath and Vickie L. Coy, both of Warren; his youngest son, Steven W. Reider; two sisters, Joanne White of Newton Falls and Janet (Jack) Ludwig of Newton Falls; two brothers, Donald (Judy) Reider of Lordstown and Gerald “Jerry” (Cheryl) Reider of Warren; a son-in-law, John Coy of Austintown; a daughter-in-law, Gail Reider of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Robbie (Kim), Craig (Rachel), Ryan (Aaron), Christopher (Genesis), Amy (Dave), Brianna and Megan; eight great-grandchildren, Trey, Colton, Ayden, Alyssa, Logan, Carson, Addison, and Veda Rose; and great-great-grandson, Cameron.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, with Pastor Jennifer Dorn officiating. Calling hours will be 1 to 3 p.m. May 3 at the funeral home.

Cremation will follow the service. Jack will be laid to rest beside his wife, Joanne, in Pineview Memorial Park, Warren.

A block of rooms is available for any attendees traveling in for the service at The Grand Resort in Howland under the group “Robert J. Reider Memorial.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home Inc., 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

(special notice)