I can almost feel Doug looking over my shoulder as I write this, saying, “Don’t screw this up, Bradford.”  We shall see.

I met Doug when he became my boss in 1978.  Then promptly fired me but we became friends anyway.  Over the next few months, with lunch and mentoring, and probably golf, our relationship grew. Then he rehired me.  

Sometime later I left for another job, but our friendship, and his mentoring, continued.  That was one of the wonderful things about Doug; he could be so demanding professionally but in personal relationships he could be so generous in sharing his considerable wisdom.  It will not surprise Craig or David when I say Doug could be very free with his advice.  Very free.

In the years that followed we were in and out of touch.  At one time he was my boss again, and I was once his boss.  We drifted apart until he called to invite me to Mary’s funeral mass in August 2021.

Last year I learned that Doug was in a retirement community close to my home.  We got together for lunch a few times or just visited, and I was delighted to meet Patty.  I was sad to see how the years and illnesses had taken so much from him.  And now he’s gone. I was blessed to have had his friendship for over 46 years.  

I will miss him.  But Doug had a rock solid faith in Jesus Christ.  I take great comfort knowing that there is a grand reunion taking place right now.  Doug is reunited with his beloved Mary, his oldest son Paul, his Mom and Dad, and perhaps even a golden retriever named Champ.  

A life well done, Doug.  Wonderful sons, beautiful grandchildren, a lot of folks who loved and miss you.  May God bless you and all of your family.  And thank you for your friendship.

My thoughts and prayers to the family I have many fond memories of Doug during my  years of working with Doug during our time together at both Xerox and PIP printing He was always a gentleman and thought highly of his family especially of his wife Mary.God bless his family

Doug and I first met at Safeguard in the early 90’s. He and Mary moved to Philadelphia and he led significant, necessary change to improve the company’s performance and restore its growth. He became my mentor, and gave me opportunities which stretched me…he always expected excellence from those he influenced. And he influenced much change for the better!

As often happens to leaders of change, he would not survive our transition at Safeguard. But he knew it was necessary, and it set the course for major consolidation in the office products industry, combining Safeguard, NEBS and Deluxe. 

Years later when I had my own business transition to figure out, Doug graciously spent significant time helping me think through the best course to take. Again, he helped bring about positive change for me. 

Later he would help my son Cameron by spending time listening to his ideas, challenging him with important questions and encouraging him to be confident and successful. I knew this was but a small portion of the love he extended in his own family and with his grandchildren whom he adored. 

I am so grateful for Doug. When my family took him to lunch one Saturday this past November, he was still nurturing Cameron and my daughter Maggie. He cared that much! 

Over the years, when we hadn’t spoken in awhile, we’d catch up and I would remind him how much I loved him. To which, he’d reply “yeah right, how come I haven’t heard from you for so long?” Classic Doug. 

He was a profound influence in my career and life. I am so grateful he was there. And I will miss him dearly.

I am so sorry for your loss.  I thought the world of your dad.  I only knew him for a few short months.  I always enjoyed when he came up to the front desk for help.  His smile, grin will always be remembered.
I'm so sorry that I cannot attend his celebration of life.

Nancy Hyde
Fountain View

I have so many great memories of Doug. Holidays and family trips stand out as times of connection and celebration. He adored his grandchildren, always finding time for deep conversations and teaching moments. Rest in peace, Doug. Sending wishes of peace and comfort for the family knowing he is in Heaven with Mary. ❤️

Dear David and Craig, 
Friends for so many, many years reaching back to Reston in the early 70’s! So many fond memories and funny stories of your whole family. Even though you moved around the country we never lost touch. That’s just the kind of Mom and Dad, and friend, Mary and Doug were, special! We will always miss them but we are so very thankful God blessed us as He did you, to have had them,  make them such a difference in our lives!  Now they are both in peace with Him. Love you both…. You  will always be the little blond guys down the street to me. Remember “watch for the Red Bird”

Love, Joan Woodson
“Angels appear when red birds are near”

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Craig, David, and their families. I hope that your memories help to ease the pain of loss and to lift you up as you deal with Doug's passing.

While I knew this day was coming, Doug's passing leaves such a void in my heart and mind. I've so enjoyed our phone chats over the last 35+ years... reminiscing about the days gone by and talking about things new and exciting.  His input and guidance cannot be measured, and I know that much of what I am today has its foundations in the man he was to and for me. He will forever occupy a place in my heart and my memories. 

With great sadness, 
Cris A. Zabka

OBITUARY

Gerald Douglas Reiter

July 21, 1941 – January 8, 2025

Ted Dickey West Funeral Home

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