Richard "Dick" A. Reininger

Richard “Dick” Alvin Reininger

Dick was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to George and Margaret Reininger and was the second oldest of four boys. As a young man in Pennsylvania Dick loved training horses, going hunting and fishing. He also loved playing sports including baseball, basketball, and football. He worked as a horse trainer, a coach, and had a paper route. He was a graduate of Westmont Hilltop High School.

After high school, Dick joined the Air Force and served his country in Vietnam as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist. Upon return from Vietnam, he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a degree in Economics. While at Pitt he founded the VIP (Veterans in Pitt) Club, one of the largest collegiate veterans clubs in the country.

After college, Dick married Terry in 1972 and they lived in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia before moving to Brighton, Colorado - one of Dick’s lifelong dreams.

During Dick’s career he was responsible for opening and restructuring companies in the Eastern U.S., Europe, Mexico, and Brazil. The ability to travel to various countries and to see the world doing his work were very rewarding to Dick.

In addition to work, Dick was a dedicated member of the Brighton community. He served on Brighton’s City Council, he supported Brighton Youth Sports as a coach, a team sponsor (Reininger’s Rebels and Terry’s Team), a referee, and an umpire.

In his spare time Dick took full advantage of Colorado. He spent his time hunting, camping, fishing, playing poker, traveling, riding his bike, gardening, skiing, going to garage sales, and spending time with his family and friends. 

Dick touched many peoples’ lives whether it was as a husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, mentor, umpire, neighbor, or friend. His dedication was recognized through numerous awards and opportunities including his induction into the Colorado Baseball Umpire Hall of Fame and the National Indicator Fraternity, umpiring at Cooperstown, umpiring professional baseball games with one of his sons, and being part of the Honor Flight for veterans to Washington D.C.

Dick’s wish for all would be to “have a great Colorado day”!

Dick is survived by his wife, Terry Reininger; their three children and spouses Michelle and Adam, Travis and Amy, and Craig and Krista; his cherished grandchildren Owen, Addison, Teagan, Samantha, Noll, and Milo; and his brothers Tom and Bob. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Don.

If you wish to give something in Dick’s honor, the family would appreciate donations made to the Rocky Mountain Regional VA in memory of Dick. Checks should be made out to RMR and mailed directly to RMR, 1700 North Wheeling St., G1-306/135, Aurora, CO 80045. All donations will directly benefit veterans.

A private military memorial service will be held for immediate family. An open house to celebrate Dick’s life will be held outdoors at Travis’ house on Sunday, April 11 from noon to 3:00.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Dick" A. Reininger, please visit our floral store.