Homer Thomas Reichenbach worked for Lincoln National Life Insurance
Homer Thomas Reichenbach (Tom) died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 3, 2023, his 87th birthday. Tom died in his home at Maplewood Park Place in Bethesda, MD. He survived a stroke in 2019, and bravely fought prostate, lung and kidney cancer.
Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Helen D. Reichenbach of Chevy Chase, MD, their four daughters and their spouses, Tammy and John MacWilliams of Quogue, NY, Lisa and Michael Mahoney of West Hartford, CT, Shelly Reichenbach and Jeff Hilliard of Boston, MA and Jodi and John Bedford of Hilton Head, SC, and their nine grandchildren, Jack, Thomas, Maggie, Mac, Katie, Holly, Phineas, Griffin, Emma, and great granddaughter, Artemis.
Tom was born on his family’s farm in Pandora, OH to Homer D. and Selma R. Reichenbach on September 3, 1936. He was the youngest of three boys. He loved sports and music from a young age, and he excelled at both at Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH.
A letter winner in football, baseball, basketball and track, Tom quarterbacked the 1956 and 1957 football teams to two Mid Ohio League championships, and he was inducted into Bluffton’s Athletic Hall of Fame. During his time at Bluffton, he also performed in numerous theatrical performances. He graduated with a BA in Business Administration in 1958. Tom remained a proud alumnus and generous supporter of Bluffton throughout his life. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees.
In 1961, he began his 35 year career in group sales and employee benefits at the Lincoln National Life Insurance Corporation in Washington, DC. Tom was a gifted salesman, relationship builder and group manager. The National Football League Players Association was one of his notable and favorite clients. He was an avid Washington Redskins fan. Through his work representing the NFL, he and Helen enthusiastically attended numerous Super Bowl games.
Music remained important throughout his life. He sang in the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church (CCUMC) choir with his wife, Helen, for over 40 years. Tom took on various leadership roles at CCUMC, spearheading multiple fundraising campaigns. He was active in many charitable and service organizations. In later years, Tom volunteered with the Bethesda Chevy Chase (B-CC) Meals on Wheels program, which he enjoyed and found rewarding.
Tom had an infectious laugh, a priceless sense of humor, and an impeccable sense of style. His gregarious personality lit up the room. He delighted in travel and any new culinary experience. Tom was a caring friend, a man of faith and above all, he adored his family.
There will be a private celebration of his life for family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via check to B-CC Meals on Wheels at 8814 Kensington Parkway, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 or 301-654-4610.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Friday, September 11, 2026
- Mennonite Home Communities provide backup phone numbers during outage
- Pirate volleyball wins in four vs. Elmwood
- Howard Thornsberry worked in the produce industry
- Pirate girls soccer silenced by Bath
- Pirate boys soccer nipped by Liberty-Benton
- September 11 Bluffton High School athletics lineup, streaming
- Sept. 12 Open Doors offers sneak peek at future Bluffton museum space
- Innovation Forum challenges leaders to think deeper about AI
- Invitation to Sept 15 Bluffton Lions program with Dr. William H. Kose
- Deer archery hunting begins Sept. 12 in Disease Surveillance Area
Thursday, September 10, 2026
- Women in Business program with Positive Nutrition
- It's time for Fall Storytime at the Bluffton Public Library
- Pirate girls golf win vs. Lima Central Catholic
- Pirate boys golf splits NWC tri
- Bluffton PTO is collecting Community Markets receipts
- Richland Twp. trustees hire mower and Zoning Inspector
- Schumacher Homestead plans a farm full of Fall Fest activities
- Hindsight is 20/20: Recent reports for RSV, flu, and COVID-19
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
- Darrell Lee Diller, 92, managed a farming business
- Bluffton alumni will discuss pathways to chaplaincy
- Beaverdam cleanup day is Sept. 12
- Pirate boys golf 3rd at NWC quad
- Pirate volleyball outlasts Arlington
- Pirate girls soccer blanks Crestview
- Pirate boys soccer tie vs. Kalida
- Letter: The future of American agriculture
- Maple Grove Cemetery records now online
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Bluffton Historical meets Sept. 9 at the 1899 Depot
- Jerry L. Blosser worked for DTR Industries
- Bluffton Schools cancelled on September 8, cleanup for biodigester malfunction underway
- July 2026 Bluffton Police Dept. activity report
- Hillville Rd. closure on Sept. 8-9
- Lions and friends will count pathway users in September
- Bluffton Ohio Historical Society takes part in Ohio Open Doors, Sept. 12