W. Albert Reese

W. Albert Reese, 86, of Telford, former long-time mayor, businessman and resident of Silverdale, passed away Tuesday, August 17, at his residence in the Lutheran Community at Telford. He was the beloved husband of Marietta (Solliday) Reese for 68 years.

Born in Silverdale, he was the son of the late William A. and Mabel (Moyer) Reese. He attended Souderton and Sell-Perk High Schools.

Al always knew the value of hard work, having grown up sweeping the floors in his father’s Main Street, Silverdale, garage.

In 1945, he took over the garage, where he repaired cars and also bought used cars, then repairing and re-selling them. For several years, Reese’s Garage, Inc., was a Studebaker dealership. Following the demise of Studebaker in 1966, Al opened a Fiat franchise. He retired in 1986, as his son took ownership of the garage.

Al’s life-long community service began in 1950 when he became Silverdale Borough auditor. He was on Borough Council from 1955-1962. Appointed as mayor in 1962, Al would later be elected to nine 4-year terms, longer than any other current Bucks County public servant.

During his tenure as mayor, he also worked as acting borough manager and head of the Public Works Department. His love of Silverdale and strong work ethic inspired his greatest community accomplishments: improved borough road conditions, the building of the new Borough Hall and park, and prudent residential development.

Whether painting borough signs, making structural changes to the municipal building, or mowing the park’s lawn, "Mayor Al" was always a hands-on mayor. He retired in 2000.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Perkasie.

Always civic-minded, Al had been a member of the Silverdale Recreation Association; the Pennridge Republican Club, serving two terms as president; and the Pennridge School Authority, where he was instrumental in advising on building plans for two high schools and other district structures.

He was also a life member and past president of the Silverdale Fire Company, a Board and life member of the Bucks County Police Association, and a 50-year member and past president of the Perkasie Lions Club.

For nineteen years, Al was on the Board of Directors of the former Pennview Savings and Loan Association, a division of Univest. In addition, he was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Community at Telford Auxiliary.

He enjoyed organizing and leading the Silverdale Children’s Christmas Party for many years. Al was a fervent supporter of the annual Pennridge Community Day and also the Pennridge Community Senior Center.

Al was honored frequently for his many community activities. The Pennridge Chamber of Commerce awarded him their Distinguished Service Award in 1990. In 1996, he was recognized as Mayor of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Association of Mayors. That same year, the borough park he had established was officially renamed W. Albert Reese Park, a tribute that touched him greatly.

The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs also cited him with the President’s Award for 45 years of service as mayor and councilman in 2000.

In his spare time, Al enjoyed woodworking and gardening, joining the horticulture club at the Lutheran Community after he and his wife moved there in 2003.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Sandra Lee Schuler, and her husband, Robert, of Telford; a son, William S. Reese, and his wife, Patricia, of Polk City, FL; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Stanley M. Reese, and his wife, Ann, of Chesterfield, VA; and a sister, Lucille Butz, of Delmar, NY .

Al was preceded in death by a grandson, William Edward Reese, in 1982, and two brothers, Robert A. Reese and the Rev. Lawrence M. Reese.

His Memorial Service will be held Monday morning, August 23, at 11:00 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, 19 South Fifth Street, Perkasie, PA 18944. Family and friends may call Monday morning at the church, beginning at 9:30 AM until time of service.

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Al’s name may be made to the Silverdale Recreation Association, c/o Silverdale Borough Office, P.O. Box 187, Silverdale, PA 18962.