Joseph Bernard "Bernie" Reitz, III

Joseph Bernard “Bernie” Reitz, III, 74, of Hampstead, MD, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Long View in Manchester, MD. Born on April 1, 1951, in Hanover, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph Bernard Reitz, Jr. and Virginia Mae Rill Reitz. He was the beloved husband of 54 years to Brenda Jean Reitz.

Bernie graduated from North Carroll High School, Class of 1969. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He retired from Random House after 38 years of service, last working in data control. He was an active and loyal member of St. Mark’s United Church of Christ of Snydersburg, where he acted as treasurer and served his Lord through his volunteer work. He was an avid train collector and a WWII history buff. He loved watching Yankee’s baseball, and spending time outside, where he was fond of bird watching. Bernie enjoyed crosswords and reading, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and extended church family.

Surviving him in addition to his wife are children: Jennifer Stolarski and husband Kevin, Jaclyn Brandenburg and husband James, both of Hampstead, MD, granddaughters: Alyssa and fiancé Adam Bowersox, Emily, brother: Douglas W. Reitz and Gwen of Mt. Airy, MD, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernie was predeceased by his sister: Donna Grimaldi.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, November 25, from 6-8 pm and Wednesday, November 26, from 9-10 am, at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester, MD, where the funeral service will begin at 10 am on Wednesday.

Interment to follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Finksburg, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to St. Marks United Church of Christ of Snydersburg, P.O. Box 514, Hampstead, MD 21074.