In Loving Memory
John Readshaw Reeher, Ph.D.
June 3, 2023

Birthday – July 5, 1945

John R. Reeher, 77, passed away suddenly at his home in Mexico, New York on the evening of June 3, 2023; with Linda, his wife of 54 years by his side.

John was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania to Laura V. (Wilson) Reeher and John A. Reeher. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Joyce (Reeher) Berry. He is survived by his wife Linda R. (McBroom) Reeher; by his brothers George F. Reeher and Walter K. Reeher; by his children Jennifer J. (Reeher) Kahkola and John B. Reeher; and by his four grandchildren.

After graduating High School, John studied Chemistry and Mathematics at Thiel University in Pennsylvania and met his future wife in his freshman year. Days after graduating from Theil in 1967 Linda and John were married and two weeks later moved to Iowa where they attended Iowa State University, with John earning his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1971. While at Iowa State John was enrolled in ROTC, and upon graduation he joined the US Army Signal Corps and served at Fort Gordon, Georgia for one year before transitioning to the US Army Reserve, where he served until 1978, reaching the rank of Captain.

John was an endlessly innovative thinker with an incredible ability to calculate advanced mathematical equations in his head. After five years as a Research Assistant for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission at Ames Laboratory in Iowa, John moved his young family to San Jose, California during the dawn of the Silicon Valley era. Working as a Research Chemist and System Production Manager for Finnigan Corporation, he developed ionization sources, vacuum systems, and interfaces for a new generation of Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry equipment, holding several patents for his discoveries. Moving to the role of Manufacturing Support Manager for Varian Associates, he explored the development of new Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and Optical Spectrometry products. In 1982, John and his family moved to Newtown, Connecticut where he worked as a Senior Engineering Manager for Perkin-Elmer Corporation. It was here that he had his greatest breakthrough, pioneering the first successful techniques for commercially viable printing of silicon wafers. Some of the methods he discovered are still in use today.

Always interested in the practical application of new technology, John entered the early digital services industry, first as a consultant for Techni-Comm Inc., then as co-owner of TeleScript Inc., providing specialized software and computer networking design and support for medical facilities. The family moved to Seneca Falls, New York, and he continued in this line of work as a Senior Systems Analyst for ENSCO and as a Sales and Support Manager for Breveon Inc. Later in life, John focused his career on education, teaching Chemistry at Finger Lakes Community College and Keuka College, and becoming an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at SUNY Delhi. Dr. Reeher was well known for his engaging teaching style and his clarity in explaining concepts. He was a dedicated mentor to his advisees and is fondly remembered by the many students whom he helped along their education and career paths. In particular, he supported the rights of LGTBQ people and designated his campus office as a Safe Space. He retired from active teaching in 2017 and was appointed Professor Emeritus.

Throughout the journey of John’s life, his wife Linda walked beside him. They retired to a home along the Little Salmon River in Mexico Point, New York. John enjoyed woodworking, gardening, cooking, deer hunting, fishing, and boating. He was always thinking ahead and enthusiastically planning his next project. As his spirit embarks on a new journey, we imagine the thrill he would feel at the limitless possibilities opening before him.
Calling Hours (10:00 AM) and Funeral (11:00 AM) will be held on Friday, June 30th at St. Clement’s Missionary Center of St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, formerly known as St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 103 Clinton St., Greenville, PA, with burial to follow at the Clarksville Citizens Cemetery, Clark, PA. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Washington Avenue, Mexico, NY.

John was a strong believer in making the world a better place, so in lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions in John’s honor to your favorite charitable organization(s) which support the betterment of mankind.

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