Dr. John Frederick Reiher, 70

WACO, Texas - Dr. John Frederick Reiher of Waco passed away Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at a Waco Nursing Facility. He was 70.

John was born Jan. 14, 1937, in Newark, N.J., son of John and Alberta (Kirk) Reiher.

He married the love of his life, Angela Maria DiMedio, in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 13, 1988.

John's educational background included five master's degrees in science and science education, a Doctorate of Education in school administration and a Doctor of Divinity in pastoral administration and Biblical studies.

He dedicated over 40 years to the field of education serving as a superintendent, assistant superintendent of curriculum, director of science instruction, principal, Teacher Union president and his greatest love - a science teacher.

Serving a mission in Uganda, East Africa, John was responsible for teacher development for St. Augustine's Teacher Training College that served more than 230 primary schools.

He was the first Delaware State Supervisor for Science and Environmental Education. He was also responsible for the development of the Delaware Teacher Center.

Upon his retirement from the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, John joined the Waco-based organization CORD, a leader in science and math educational reform. John provided science and math professional development to more than 20,000 teachers in 65 public school districts and 11 foreign countries.

Upon retiring from CORD, John developed and served as the first principal of STARS, the Alternative Academic High School for Waco ISD.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John Reiher and Alberta Eberley.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Angela Reiher of Waco; his service dog, Chief of Waco; a stepsister, Jan Bernatos of Palm Harbor, Fla.; his parents-in-law, Angelo and Maria DiMedio of Ardmore, Pa.; his sisters-in-law, Anna Dorazio and her husband Vince and Maria Mastrippolito and her husband Gino; and three nephews and three nieces by marriage.

Sunset services were Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Waco.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the A.J. Moore Academy Scholarship Fund, 500 N. University Parks Drive, Waco, TX 76701; or the Delaware Teachers of Science, attn. Jack Cairns, 704 N. Bradford St., Dover, DE 19904.

Honorary pallbearers were Stephen Dorazio, Vince Dorazio, Bob Greenwall, Bill Hyde, Gino Mastrippolito and Joel Temple.