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
Friday, October 2, 2026
- John "Jack" Palte, 88, was a farmer
- Nature walk at university Nature Preserve, Oct. 3
- ICYMI: September 2026 Bluffton Icon Highlights
- Walking through Autumn series brings hikers to Bluffton
- Pirate volleyball win vs. Spencerville
- Pirate boys soccer ties Ottawa-Glandorf
- Pirate girls soccer loss vs. Toledo St. Ursula
- October 2 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Can you bake a winning pie?
- Library seeks Holiday Gift Auction donations
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Pirate volleyball loss vs. Lincolnview
- Village of Bluffton meetings announced, Oct. 1-Nov. 2
- 100 years of being Beavers: 2026 Bluffton University Homecoming, Oct. 2-4
- Check out October 2026 BPL Update
- Final call for for Bluffton photos contest
- Pandora-Gilboa HS crowns Homecoming King and Queen
- Bluffton Council recap: Purchase of Marsh Run acres approved
- Senior Center's October membership dinner
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Pirate volleyball sweeps Wapakoneta
- Pirate boys golf 4th at NWC tourney; Meyer places 2nd
- Pirate girls soccer shuts out Lima Central Catholic
- Pirate boys soccer shuts out Lima Central Catholic
- Pirate girls tennis blanks Kenton
- Bluffton Fall Festival overflows with family fun
- Stauber exhibit at Massillon Museum through November 1
- Arlington invites generations of alumni to all-school Homecoming
Monday, September 28, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, September 21-27
- Alan K. Yoder, O.D., 86, owned Family Eye Care Clinic of Bluffton
- I-75 lane restrictions in Hancock County, Sept. 28-Oct. 2
- Travis Michael Swank, 40, was a salesman
- NetVUE panel highlights chaplaincy, vocation and meaningful work
- Bluffton Presbyterian hosts community-wide Socktober drive