Andrew (“Andy”) Reiz passed away on Dec. 15 at his residence in Village Shalom.
Born on May 8, 1920, in Tokaj, Hungary, Andy’s life was a testament to resilience, dedication and a profound commitment to family and community.
Having emigrated to the United States with his family in 1927, Andy’s formative years were spent on the Lower East Side of New York City. His early education in Judaism commenced at the one-room Cheder in Tokaj, and this foundation continued in New York City, leading him to Yeshiva Torah V’Da’at until 1935. Despite his father’s aspirations for him to become a rabbi, Andy chose a different path, embarking on an educational journey in aviation at Queens Aviation High School and Haaren High School in midtown Manhattan. His dream of becoming a pilot was born, and he immersed himself in the intricacies of airplane design and engine mechanics.
Post-high school, Andy attended New York City College, focusing on bookkeeping. This skill became a lifeline for his family, as he diligently sent a significant portion of his earnings to support his mother. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as a flight logistician at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Zelda Reiz (Luke), whom he married in 1946. Their union spanned an incredible 70 years until Zelda’s passing in September of 2017.
Andy’s professional journey included ownership and management of the Reiz-Morris Construction Company. A devoted member of Congregation Beth Shalom, he actively contributed to the Ritual Committee and shared his knowledge of Jewish customs and history. In the early 1960s, he developed a passion for coin collecting, specializing in Israeli Coins and ancient coins, and later taught a popular class on the subject at Beth Shalom’s Sunday school.
Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Andy was an engaged member of the community, participating in Masonic Lodge and Shriner activities. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication and service.
Andy’s memory lives on through his four children: three sons, David Reiz (m. Pam), Nathan Reiz (m. Nancy) and Joel Reiz (m. Lana) of Overland Park, Kansas, and daughter Yam Erez (Miriam Reiz – m. Bill Slott) of Mitzpe Ramon, Israel; nine grandchildren: Mirra Siegel (m. Shmuel) of Baltimore, Maryland; Alissa Murray (m. Alyn) of Junction City, Kansas; Rabbi Yudell Reiz (Leeba) of San Diego, California; Shmulie Reiz (m. Simcha) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Gordon Reiz (m. Christina) of Leawood, Kansas; Samuel Reiz of Fort Collins, Colorado; Yahav Erez and Hedy Erez-Slott of Keturah, Israel; and Idan Erez-Slott of Boston, Massachusetts; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Andy was extremely close with his nieces and nephews of the Feingold, Luke and Strauch families. They visited often, sent beautiful flowers, pictures and fabulous food. He enjoyed catching up on all the family news and loved reading the Feingolds’ “In Feinprint.”
The Reiz family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Moshe Brakey for his unwavering dedication to Andy’s care. They also extend their appreciation to the entire staff of Village Shalom and Kansas City Hospice for their exceptional care, as well as the Muncie Matthews team for their support during Andy’s final months.
A funeral service was held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in the Yukon Chapel on Dec. 18. Shiva took place at Village Shalom on Dec. 18.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Congregation Beth Shalom, Village Shalom or a charity of your choice.
May Andy Reiz’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him.