Reginald L. "Reg" Rife

Reginald Larry Rife, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away on August 14, 2026 at the age of 89. Reggie was born on November 3, 1936 to Earl and Helen Rife and grew up in Hanover, PA living with his mom, dad, older brother, and younger sister in a studio apartment. From ages 8 – 15, Reggie and his brother Baron spent summers picking beans in local fields. He banked whatever money remained after he bought himself all his own clothes and shoes. Playing basketball and studying in school became his two primary preoccupations. 

His high school basketball coach recognized his athletic talent and wrote a letter of recommendation to Millersville State College, where the coach offered him a working scholarship. The first member of his family to graduate high school, Reggie accepted this challenge, working in the cafeteria, playing basketball, and earning a BS in Mathematics Education. Reg was 5’11” and played forward. He and his co-captain, Sylvester Williams, led their team to a state championship two years in a row. He was nicknamed "The Rifle" for his long range shooting, and once scored 38 points in a college game. He liked to emphasize that his team used a full court press during many games. 

Reggie worked as a math teacher and guidance counselor in the Phoenixville and Great Valley School Districts from 1958 - 1993. He served in the Army Reserve in 1960 and earned a Master's Degree from Villanova University. He also coached junior high and high school basketball for 11 years. After retiring under the Mellow Bill, he switched gears and became head cook for his household. 

In 1963 he was introduced to Carol Morris and on August 3 1964, they married and then raised four children. Reggie said that meeting Carol was the best thing that ever happened to him. Along with working as a PIAA basketball, baseball, and softball official for 45 years, he worked odd jobs in the summers. Reg diligently attended his kids' games, concerts, and plays and taught them many life lessons such as - invest wisely and avoid debt. Stand up straight. Buy used cars. Eat right and exercise. Buy generic and clip coupons. Always take "the secret way." 

He will be remembered for his ability to make friends everywhere, accepting others regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or social status. He could talk sports to anyone, enjoyed poker with his friends, and spent many a Sunday betting on the ponies at the racetrack. He loved Elvis, James Bond and Alfred Hitchock movies. His grandchildren will never forget his gentle goofiness, his mad "skills" at Old Maid and Pictionary, finding ice cream sandwiches hidden in his socks, and waking him up during a movie because he was "just resting his eyes." 

He leaves behind his wife Carol of 62 years and beloved dog Lucy, daughter Susan Baranek (Doug) and son Brian Rife (Maureen), daughter-in-law Jie Feng Rife, his cherished grandchildren Mallory Dean (Kenny), Rachel, Leah, Marcus, Jason, Meilin, and Kevin, and nephew, David Rife. He is preceded in death by sons Stephen and Eric. 

Services are scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026. The family will host a visitation at St. Ann's Chapel, 604 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA  from 9:45 - 10:45 AM with a mass and a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 AM and burial in St. Ann Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity (3501 Solly Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136) or to your local branch of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).