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Contact Info
Home Town Pueblo
Last Address Port Orchard, WA
Date of Passing Jun 23, 2009
Location of Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery - Bremerton, Washington
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Lieutenant Commander Michael LeRoy Reiter, USN (Ret), Port Orchard, WA died peacefully at home on June 23, 2009 following a long illness. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by his loving family and his first wife and caregiver, Patricia Jones.
Born on Dec. 22, 1942, Mike was raised in Pueblo, Colorado. Following graduation from Pueblo County High School, where he was a nose guard on the Hornet's football team, he joined the United States Navy. Mike's decision, to serve his country and see the world, would pave the way to a life-long career.
He was a Limited Duty Officer (Administration), serving the Navy for more than 30 years, from July 19, 1961 thru December 1, 1991, successfully advancing to hold every rank from Seaman Recruit to Lieutenant Commander. Such an ascendancy in rank, rare by naval standards then and now, placed him in an honored group, known as "mustang" in military circles.
He served on major Pacific staffs including; Commander First Fleet; Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Mike had two tours of duty in Washington D.C. on the personal staffs of Chief of Naval Operations, first with Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. and then with Admiral James Holloway. He was personal staff to Chief of Naval Personnel Admiral Jeremy Boorda who later became chief of naval operations. Boorda was the first enlisted sailor in U.S. Naval history to rise through the ranks to the position of chief of naval operations. Mike had great respect for Admiral Boorda and their shared experience.
Mike's service at sea included duty aboard several ship types including destroyers and attack troop transports. He always felt his most rewarding tour was aboard the USS Constellation (CV 64) where he served as ship's secretary and personnel officer from March 1978 until Feb. 1980. The Constellation can be seen today at Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard.
He also served a three year tour as officer in charge, personnel support activity detachment, Bangor, WA from September 1984 to October 1987.
The most devastating assignment Mike had was during the height of the Vietnam conflict while serving aboard the USS Frank E. Evans (DD 754). In the early morning hours of June 3, 1969 on the South China Sea, the Frank E. Evans was cut in two by a collision with the Royal Australian Navy aircraft carrier, Melbourne. At least a third of the Frank E. Evans sank almost immediately resulting in 74 officers and enlisted personnel being lost at sea. Mike, two decks below the main deck when the impact occurred was also cast into the sea, eventually rescued by the crew of the Melbourne. He would always say that it was an act of God that he survived.
In his 30 years of naval service, Mike earned three Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy
Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals and various service and campaign medals and ribbons.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank L. Reiter and Doris L. (Goins) Reiter,
both of Pueblo, his infant son, Patrick LeRoy and a sister, Karen James of McPherson, Kansas,
Jan Alston, an aunt of Florence, CO.
He is survived by his wife, MarDel (Hansey) Reiter of Salt Lake City, Utah who was a big
help in caring for him with his illness. His children, Pamela K. Reiter of Costa Mesa, CA and Shawn (Sylvia) Reiter of Port Orchard, WA. His first wife Patricia of 22 years, mother of Pamela, Shawn and Patrick LeRoy Reiter, became his caregiver during the last two years He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Arlene) Reiter of Westcliffe, CO and two aunts, Betty Sturdevant and Jean Leo of Portland, OR. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Cory and Colin Nichols, Travis Reiter, his uncle, Charles Reiter of Pueblo, CO and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike enjoyed all of his family very much and felt they were the greatest blessing he had in life. He also enjoyed woodworking and sports, especially basketball. Mike completed several marathons, finishing the The Big Island Marathon in 3:35:43, his personal best.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him and fondly remembered.
Visitation: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., June 27, 2009 at the Lewis Funeral home in Bremerton followed by the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Missionary Fund.
- See more at: http://www.lewischapel.com/obituary/Michael-Leroy-Reiter/Port-Orchard-WA/683436#sthash.1cGeumL4.dpuf