Gary Reitzas

Gary Reitzas, 79, of Fall River, peacefully passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA after a brief illness. He was the loving and beloved husband of Lois Reitzas, to whom he was married for fifty-seven years.Born on July 24, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Sidney Reitzas and the late Frances (Max) Reitzas.Gary was a graduate of Tabor Academy, Class of 1955, and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colgate University in 1959.A longtime resident of Fall River who was deeply committed to his community, Gary was the Chairman of Fall River Knitting Mills. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Fall River Development Corporation and of the Bristol Community College Foundation, Inc.An active man with many diverse interests, the center of Gary's life was without question his family. He truly loved spending time with them, and enjoyed a special and unique bond with each of his treasured grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Lois, he is survived by his cherished children: Lori Elias and her husband, Jay Elias, of Warwick Neck, RI; Lisa Pildner and her husband, Henry Pildner, III, of Needham, MA; David Reitzas and his wife, Aya Reitzas, of Bell Canyon, CA; and Daniel Reitzas and his wife, Lisa Reitzas, of Fall River, MA. He was the adoring grandfather of Thomas, Robert, Hope, and Emma Elias; Alison and Amy Pildner; Franklin and Benny Reitzas; and Noah, Sam, and Hannah Reitzas. He leaves his dear brother, James G.S. Reitzas; and was the brother of the late Richard Reitzas and Peter Reitzas. Gary was the brother-in-law of Max Blum and Diane Axelrod, and leaves several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend a Celebration of Life and Remembrance Service for Gary on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Jackson Arts Center of Bristol Community College, 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA.Burial services will be private. Shiva will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, December 23, 2016 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 p.m. at the family residence in Fall River, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gary to the Bristol Community College Foundation, Inc., 777 Elsbree St, Fall River, MA 02720, or to a charity of one's choice. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA. (508) 695-0200.