Mr. Edward St. Marie Reich

He was born Dec. 16, 1954, the son of the late Dorothy and Cyril Reich. He was the ninth of 12 children.

Mr. Reich was a star athlete at St. Albans High School. He won the state finals in the 440-yard dash in 1973. In 1972, he anchored the four-man mile relay team, setting a state record that still stands since schools have converted to the metric standard. He earned a track scholarship to West Virginia University.

On the football field, he used his speed as a defensive end and was recognized with St. Albans' High's Roger Childers Award for the most dedicated player in the 1972 season.

For many years, Mr. Reich was the manager of Colonial Cleaners in Cross Lanes. More recently, he had worked as a teacher's aide, first at Alban Elementary School and then at Anne Bailey Elementary School.

He was known for his quick wit, love of history and fanatical devotion to the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins and all teams wearing the colors of West Virginia University.

There was a particular soft spot in his heart for his Jack Russell terrier, Maizy.

He is survived by his wife of eight years, the former Jan Davis; a daughter, Carly; a stepson, Joseph Bradford; four sisters, Orie, Holly Schell, Noreen Flynn and Dorothy Ehrig; seven brothers, Cyril "Bill," Francis, Peter, Fred, Paul, Christopher and Timothy; and his lifelong friend, Clinton Tabit.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home, 110 B St., St. Albans. Visitation also will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cunningham Memorial Park Upper Mausoleum, St. Albans, followed by a graveside service at noon.