Betty Green Reineman

Betty was born on August 13, 1931, in Boston, Massachusetts, to John L. Green and Catherine (Garbutt) Green of Winthrop, MA. In 1946, her family relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida, where she attended St. Petersburg Senior High School and St. Petersburg College.

In 1959, Betty married her beloved husband, Joseph Vilsack Reineman. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community. With Joe’s career, the family moved several times over the years, living in Florida, Connecticut, California, and ultimately returning to Florida.

Betty embraced each community wholeheartedly, volunteering her time and often stepping into leadership roles within the organizations she served. Her service ranged from being a Girl Scout leader and co-chairing fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society, to volunteering at the Montalvo Arts Center in California. At Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield, Connecticut, she served as a deaconess and chaired the annual Dogwood Festival. After returning to Tampa, she became an active member of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church.

Betty was deeply involved in civic and cultural organizations throughout her life. She served as a Trustee of the University of Tampa and was president of The Chiselers, where she contributed many hours to the preservation of Plant Hall reflecting her commitment to education and historic preservation.

An avid reader, Betty helped name her book club, LiteraryFriends, and found great joy in thoughtful conversation and shared learning. She was also an active participant in her investment club, The Racqueteers. Betty enjoyed an active lifestyle and was an accomplished tennis player and a competitive bridge player in both women’s and couples’ play. She was also a former member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, Fairfield Beach Club, the Patterson Club, the Henry B. Plant Museum, the Tampa Museum of Art, Culbreath Isles Breakfast Club, and Town and Gown.

Betty was a caring and loyal friend. Her friendships were deeply important to her, and she nurtured them with generosity and grace. She especially treasured her travels with friends and her husband Joe, which took them around the world and created lasting memories.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Joseph Vilsack Reineman; daughter, Nanette Gable Reineman of Largo; her brother, John Lloyd Green, Jr. and Jeannine Harris Green of St. Petersburg; and her son-in-law, Guy King III of Tampa. She is survived by her beloved children: Linda Gable Reineman (Jeffrey) Wingate of Steamboat Springs, CO, Deborah Gable Reineman King of Tampa, Joseph (Suzanne Keohane) Reineman Jr. of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, and Ginger (Richard) Chapman of Tampa; her seven grandchildren: Guy IV and Wilson King, Alexandra (Michael) Gibbons, Joseph III (Madeleine) and Oliver Reineman, and Catherine and McKinley Chapman; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Isla Gibbons; as well as many much loved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mark and Sharon from Lifepath Hospice and to Dee and Madison from Hudson Manor for their care and compassion during Betty’s final years.

A private family service will be held to honor Betty’s life.