Joe may have left us, but his influence in our lives means that he lives on in  our lives, our science, and our memories. He got the NIST Atomic Spectroscopy Group through some of our worst times with resilience and humor - we never knew how much he shielded us until after he stepped down as group leader. His stories and his humor in our daily coffee club brightened our days and instilled in the group a camaraderie that got us through good times and bad. Working with him in the lab was a real joy and I learned so much under him. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to Evelyn, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joe Reader was an absolute gift to the NBS/NIST family.  He was one of the best atomic spectroscopists in the world.  He was the last of a legendary group who in the 1960s still worked in Washington DC, sharing experiences with the iconic Bill Meggers, their leader since 1914.   Joe was prolific, creative, careful with his work, and open to taking risks.  He was the group's heart and soul for more than 50 years, a true leader.  He will be greatly missed and impossible to replace.

So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I spent two years working with him at NIST before I joined Sacramento State. He was an amazing mentor and great friend. I learned much from him and he was one of the many great NIST colleagues who helped me launch my career. He will be missed!

My heart is breaking to hear that Joe has passed away. I'll miss him so much at NIST. When I first moved from building 227 to 221, he made me feel so welcome. We'd always share a friendly "hello" and a smile in the hallway. Even as his visits became less frequent, he never failed to stop by my doorway just to greet me with a smile. I looked forward to those days so much. I'll remember your kindness and your smile forever, Joe. Rest in peace.

Dear Evelyn,
Bj and I were very sorry to hear about Joe. I had many productive interactions with him at NBS and NIST over a 40 year period. His work in spectroscopy was highly respected.
Please accept our sympathy,
Dave and Bettijoyce

I’ll always remember how Mr. Reader would drive Jack and us to basketball games and practices, and how he stepped in to coach our team. He was also one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever known, with his PhD in Physics, and yet he never made it intimidating to learn from him. He would help us with our Physics homework and was always very patient. He never complained about us playing pool downstairs, blasting the music, and drinking (we could drink at 18 back then).  He always had interesting stories about his job at NIST like the time the janitors ruined $100K worth of special laser mirrors because they tried to clean them with Windex.  And the huge monster magnet that could yank a screwdriver our of your hand from across the room.
My deepest condolences to the family.

Mr. Reader was a very special and incredibly patient man.  I have very found memories of the time he spent with all us (kids at the time) playing basketball and always teaching one thing or another, not just facts but critical life lessons  and sensibilities.  He will be missed by many in his circle and beyond.  It was an honor and a privilege to have known him and his family.

Joe was a fierce competitor and of all of my father’s many friends only Joe played with me and my sister —he would come up to us in the water and say biting “sand crab, horseshoe crab , stingray,  jelly fish” fill in the blank and pinch us underwater or surprise us by coming from under water to topple us from the raft we were floating on in the Bethany surf.  Many fine memories building card houses, playing connect four which he called “score 4” —never letting me win. But when I did win and best the nuclear physicist I did feel super special, very lucky and knew I had earned it.  I remember Joe, my dad and Mike hanging bits of lettuce from their chins in restaurants and saying “Dolly” to each other and pretending it wasn’t there…whosever’s hung on the longest won.  He was a brilliant grown up who didn’t forget how to play, have fun and be silly.  Thanks for all of the wonderful years!

84 years of friendship.from grammar school to Bethany beach and a whole lot in between.our weekly phone calls will be greatly missed.talking about the past which it appeared only I remembered. His success in his field was unmatched. His life with Evelyn could not have been greater.his children and his grandchildren could not have prouder.my tears have stopped but my many memories will not. He was MY special friend, almost like a brother you continue to look  to for guidance .A proud man who who had a lot to be proud of. I forever will cherish our time together and miss him every day.carol and Jerry ginsburg

Dear Joe, many thanks for everything I was able to learn from you. Your rule no 1: “at least know what you did” still resonates in my daily work. God bless you.
Dear Evelyn, my thoughts and my prayers are with you and the family.

OBITUARY

Joseph Reader

December 1, 1934 – August 8, 2025

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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