Graham "Rick" Reichenbach

Graham "Rick" Reichenbach of Bonita Springs, Florida passed away, unexpectedly, on January 16, 2024 with his wife, brother and sister-in-law by his side. Graham was born in St. Louis on December 30, 1938 to Clayton and Margaret (Vance Graham ) Reichenbach. His family later moved to Cheshire, CT in 1954. He graduated from Cheshire High School in 1957, attended Cheshire Academy and the University of Connecticut before graduating from New Haven University in 1964 with a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering. In high school he was on the track team, excelling in the 440 yd. dash. It was in high school that his friends and classmates dubbed him with his lifelong nickname RICK. It was derived from mispronouncing his last name as RICKENBACK. Graham began his professional career in 1964, spanning over 40 years, at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Ct. working up to the level of Chief Nuclear Test Engineer. Known as REACTOR RICK, at work, he was responsible for ensuring that the reactor plants and engine rooms of newly constructed and overhauled US Navy nuclear submarines were fully operational. One of the most memorable assignments was going to sea in the initial sea trial of the USS Ohio, the first Trident Nuclear Ballistic submarine. Later, he had the challenge of field assignments supervising the overhaul and refueling of reactor plants and engine rooms at the Knowles Atomic Power Laboratory in West Milton, NY where the US Navy trains its sailors for ship duties. During those periods he and his family resided in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Throughout his life he loved the outdoor life. During his teen years, as a Life Scout, he was part of the search and rescue team assembled as a result of the flooding of the Naugatuck River in Waterbury, CT in 1956. Graham loved fishing, boating, water skiing, being a security guard at the outdoor Saratoga Performing Arts Center and taking care of outdoor projects at his homes. During the winter months Graham, an avid bowler, enjoyed his bowling team and league. Most recently, Graham enjoyed playing bridge and doing the mental exercises provided by Sudoku and crossword puzzles. Those close to Graham knew that, as a teenager, he had to have cataract surgery in both eyes at the Boston Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, Mass. This was the result of Uveitis of the eye that he contacted in early childhood. That surgery left him with a permanent loss of vision in his left eye. Notwithstanding, he was able to live a full, productive and highly successful life, achieving remarkable accomplishments. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jeanne; his daughter, Karen McDonald and her husband, Jim, of Bedford, N.H.; son, Eric and his partner Jody of Cottage Grove, OR; his brother, Richard and his wife, Janice of Ft. Myers, FL. Also surviving are his three grandchildren, Brayden Reichenbach of Bedford, NH, Alexander and Devlyn McDonald of Bedford, NH; his dear special friend, Azusa Mihara of Pomfret, VT; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Karl Graham. A Celebration of Life will be held later at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rick's name may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Graham "Rick" Reichenbach

December 30, 1938 - January 16, 2024