Robert Jerome Reich

Robert enjoyed Boy Scouts where he rose to the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor and rank in Scouting. Robert was also a member of Order of the Arrow, the honor society of Scouting, where he served in many roles, his favorite being the Chaplain of the Echockotee Lodge leading Sunday worship at many of Northeast Florida’s Scouting events. Robert had wonderful experiences with scouting including attending the National Jamboree in West Virginia, and the Philmont High Adventure Base in New Mexico. Robert also volunteered for the Order of the Arrow Trail Crew at the Northern Tier High Adventure base in Minnesota.

Robert was a rugged outdoorsman, enjoying as often as possible, backpacking, snowshoeing, canoeing, sailing and winter camping trips, especially in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Canada, Florida and on Lake Superior. Robert led from the front and never complained of being tired, cold, hot, wet or under pressure.

Robert was also a confirmed member of the Mandarin United Methodist Church. He enjoyed participating in services and was, since our earliest memory, our family’s faith leader. His faith in God and religious training prepared him perfectly for his role as Chaplain in Scouting.

Robert was a high achiever at Creekside High School, earning 43 AP transfer credits to the University of Florida where he was selected to participate in the Pharmacy Early Assurance Program (PEAP). Through his hard work, focus, and dedication Robert was accepted to the University of Florida School of Pharmacy Ph. D program which he was to start in August of 2024.

From a young age, Robert enjoyed reading history, especially Central European history. This led to an interest in learning foreign languages. He developed proficiency in French and Spanish and spent the past two years teaching himself German. When he was at home, we could often hear him practicing late into the evenings.

Most of all, Robert enjoyed his part-time job at the YMCA where he worked at the front desk. Robert prided himself on learning all the members’ names and their birthdays. He offered his friendship to all including his coworkers whom he loved and cared about deeply.

Robert was known as a thoughtful, generous, and giving young man. He never complained and treated every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve and move himself forward. We were so proud of his accomplishments and reminded him often. He was loved dearly, and we can hardly imagine moving forward on Earth without him.

His last accomplishment was that of being a registered organ donor. The gift of his body has saved and extended the lives of many others. This selfless act fits Robert’s natural predisposition of serving others before himself.

Robert is survived by his grandmother, Carole Reich; grandfather, Robert Sullivan; father and mother, Jerry and Deborah Reich; his brothers, Marshall and Philip and his sister-in-law Sarah Strauss. He is predeceased by his grandmother, Joy Sullivan and grandfather, Jerome Reich. We acknowledge the special attention given by the St. Johns County first responders and medical staff who worked tirelessly to save Robert’s life. Special acknowledgment is given to the 5th floor staff at HCA in Orange Park, the University of Florida Lifequest, Organ Recovery Services and Mandarin United Methodist Church.

A celebration of his young life will be held at Hardage- Giddens, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, May 18th at 2:30 pm with Pastor Britt Gilmore presiding.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Williams YMCA c/o Robert Reich Youth Scholarship Fund, 10415 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or dial (904) 292-1660 #8