- State: Pennsylvania
On Thursday, December 19, 2019, Albert V. “Blackie” Reitbauer, 79, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He had been a patient in the Lehigh Valley Hospital (Muhlenberg) since Thanksgiving. Born on April 17, 1940, in Bethlehem, PA, He was the son of the late Genevieve A. (Kirchner) Bissey and Albert Reitbauer, and Step-son of Samuel Bissey. On September 4, 1962, he married Mary E. (Elliott) Reitbauer, with whom he shared 57 years of loving marriage. Blackie graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School. He was a full-time musician and also worked for Shivley’s Moving and Storage Company before retiring. He was known for his singing ability and his talent for playing the drums. He helped to coach Little League in his younger years and was a member of the Teamsters. In addition, he was an active member of the following Democratic Clubs of Bethlehem: The Wanderer’s, The Jeff’s, The Grover Cleveland, and The 540. Blackie enjoyed watching football and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He loved all kinds of music, especially his idol, Buddy Rich. He enjoyed clam bakes, vacations in Myrtle Beach, scratch-off tickets, watching the television show, COPS, and spending quality time with his family.
Survivors: Together they raised one daughter, Lynn A., wife of Daniel R. Martisofski, Jr., of Bethlehem; one son, Darren L., husband of Sharon M. Reitbauer of Shillington, PA. He is also survived by six grandchildren; Douglas L., husband to Amanda E. (Kopil) Reitbauer, Katie N.Reitbauer, Daniel R. Martisofski, II, Davis J. Martisofski, Jenifer L. Martisofski and Casandra J. Martisofski. Other survivors include his three great-grandchildren; Mason D. Martisofski, Dawson L. Reitbauer and Jordan L. Reitbauer. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his canine companion Brando.
Services: Private and at the convenience of the family.
