Obituaries

Carl Reigle, 85

January 23, 2025

Carl Reigle, 85, of Millersville, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 23, 2025. Carl and his wife Carol were married for 57 years. At the shore house, beloved by Carl, a decorative sign hung in the kitchen: “An Old Crab and an Angel Fish live here.” This simple piece of décor was symbolic of their relationship, two individuals clearly distinct yet perfect for each other.

To illustrate this dynamic, every year each child received two birthday cards, one serious in nature while the other humorous. The serious card, of course from Carol, accentuating their love and appreciation for their children. Carl’s card, on the other hand, offered bad puns and low brow humor. Quintessential Carl, a man with a unique sense of humor often seeking humor where others could not find it, as evidenced by his lifelong lament that he could never find any funny sympathy cards.

This obituary is our best attempt to fuse the solemnity of Carl’s passing with the humor that he would like us all to find.

Carl was born in the small town of Beaver Springs, Snyder County, PA, and raised on his family’s farm. He served three years in the US Navy and spent most of his adult life in Lancaster County. His upbringing defined the man we all knew. Importantly, he was stereotypical German; he was always willing to welcome anyone with open arms, but we’re all still waiting for those arms to close.

Carl was in the insurance and administration business from 1964 until his retirement in 2003. He was an entrepreneur who started several businesses, one being a forerunner in providing administration services in the group benefits field. It was always clear to him that finding good people who want to work for you makes for good employees and was key to a successful business. Maybe this was obvious since he always said that, although he had ideas, he didn’t know how to do anything. He thought of his employees as fundamental to bringing his ideas to life. Treating his employees with respect, fairness, and generosity was important to him. Carl would demonstrate his appreciation by sharing company trips, providing lunches and hosting holiday dinners. In addition, he truly enjoyed getting to know each of his employees personally, which may have been his favorite part of his career.

He was a voracious reader, just not of books. He read multiple newspapers daily, as well as various news magazines. But in Carl’s words, he learned more from reading the funnies than anything else he read. He often claimed to know a bit about everything; in his defense, he was close to correct. And anything he didn’t know, he simply made up.

Carl loved the shore and National Parks, and he cherished his time spent at Long Beach Island, NJ, and St. John, USVI. Being an avid boater, Carl loved taking friends and family on boat rides, fishing, skiing, tubing and simply viewing the sunset while out on the bay.

He left behind notes for what he would write in his obituary. “He always knew he would die – he just thought it would be tomorrow (and we all know tomorrow never comes).” “He enjoyed his life and leaves with no regrets (although he probably should have some).”

Carl is survived by Carol, their three children, Kimberly Reigle (Ron Bonawitz), Lancaster, PA, Ken Reigle (Erin Kliber), Allison Park, PA, Kristin Reigle (Brad LaPlaca), Jenkintown, PA, and four grandchildren, Dylan Bonawitz, Iona Reigle, Ciaran Reigle and Lucjan LaPlaca. He is also survived by one sister, Patricia Heintzelman, and four brothers, John Reigle, Donald Reigle, Gary Reigle and Douglas Reigle. In Carl’s words, “he loved them all but never got around to telling them.” We all knew.

Per Carl’s wishes, there will be no funeral service, and his ashes will be scattered at various locations at the convenience of the family.

In the future, there will be a party to celebrate Carl’s life, or what Carl said would be a “Going Away Party,” the time and place to be posted in the obituary column.
Please, no flowers and no donations. Carl’s request is that you do something for someone in need, either financially or emotionally. And if you want to live like he did, do it every time you get the chance.

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Condolences to the Family

February 14, 2025

Carol, Kim, Ken & Kristin,
Carl was the epitome of everything wrapped into one person: a wonderful father, husband, brother, smart entrepreneur, well-read, funny, generous beyond one’s imagination, believed in all people and that they could do just about anything, and that treating your employees like family returned ten-fold. I have fond memories of Carl trying to launch my kids off the bow of the boat by hitting wake head on, helping me get the baby bat out of the printer at A&C, forgetting his hair cut appointments time after time, enjoying tomatoes and strawberries all summer long often for the main course, comics and their lessons in life, his enjoyment if live theater at the Fulton, those dachshunds, and his love fur you, Carol. I was blessed to know him these past 35 years and thankful for all he taught me and shared in life experiences. Godspeed Carl – see you on the other side!
Demi Porter

February 08, 2025

Dearest Carol and family,  Carl is missed although his fond memories and personality runs strong in your loved ones.  I always remember how welcoming and informative he was the first time I met him.  Carl asked if I liked cheese while opening up the fridge to share the largest wheel of cheese to this day I had ever seen in my life.  Kris and Brad have shared so many hysterical stories about Carl and Brads “quirky similarities” I appreciate this humor and am thankful that your family has embraced my brother over the years.  The Reigle family has so many wonderful rights of passage that I know will continue through generations.  Thank you for sharing your family and your amazing daughter with us. 
Celynn and Christopher 

February 06, 2025

Dear Carol and Family, Carl was a very special person. I had worked with Carl in the insurance business. he always treated his employees like family. I remember the good times at LBI. One time at LBI I made prune ice cream which Carl found to be very funny.We had a good laugh over that flavor of ice cream. My memories of Carl will always be with me and George. Our prayers and love are with you and your family.
Barbara and George Burton

February 06, 2025

Dear Carol and family. I’m sorry to read of Carl’s passing (not sure of your address).  I pray that he wasn’t ill very long.  I admired him and know no one in the insurance business with such an aptitude to create new products and teach and support agents on how to present to our clients. I found his knowledge to be invaluable in the small group market. And remember how he loved to make ice cream (at LBI) and always had a coffee cup in his hand at the office.
I’m so happy that your family has expanded with grandchildren.  No doubt, your family also has wonderful memories of Carl
best wishes and prayers to you
Vicki Edgerley (Pluck)
365 Enterprise Dr Bird in Hand
717-271-3604

February 06, 2025

Carl Reigle was in a class by himself. He was extremely generous and understanding while not hesitating to help others. In my opinion, Carl should be considered one of the best CEOs who every appeared in Lancastrer County. Without his assistace and understand plus his generous nature, our family woud be far behind in this crazy world. I cherish and appreciate all the advice and support he gave us for years. Rest in Peace young man – you deserve it. 
WILLIAM CACI

February 05, 2025

Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. 
God Bless you and your family
  Love Stan and Cindy  

February 05, 2025

This evoked strong emotions in me, both sadness and joy, as I was a recipient of Carl’s kindness. I have nothing but positive memories and he indeed made me feel like a cherished employee
Joyce Miller

February 05, 2025

This evoked strong emotions in me, both sadness and joy, as I was a recipient of Carl’s kindness. I have nothing but positive memories and he indeed made me feel like a cherished employee
Joyce

February 05, 2025

This makes my heart hurt, however the obituary captures so much. I will never forget Carl’s huge heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. 
Tammi Miller

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