Marvin L. Reinhart

Marvin L. Reinhart of Willow Valley, Willow Street, PA, passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 after a short illness. Marvin was 86 years old. He was born in Harlan, Iowa on May 20, 1936 to Ruth Allen Reinhart and Paul E. Reinhart. Marvin was predeceased by his parents and his only sibling, Allen Reinhart. Marvin and his family moved from Harlan to Tacoma, Washington in 1948. Marvin was a proud alumnus of both the University of Puget Sound and the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a MS in Chemistry in 1960. He spent much of his career in manufacturing management for the DuPont Company in New Jersey and Delaware, before retiring in 1998.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Reed Reinhart, and two children, Paula R. Thomas of Columbia, PA, and David E. Reinhart (Jennifer) of Lancaster, PA. He had five grandchildren: Amanda Stacy (Caleb/fiancé) Denver, CO; Evan Thomas, Washington, D.C.; Nathan Reinhart, Philadelphia, PA; Trevor Thomas, Denver, CO; and Maya Reinhart, Philadelphia, PA. Marvin had a close relationship with all of his grandchildren that were lovingly referred to as his “legacy” or his “gene pool”.

Exercise was one of Marvin’s favorite passions in life. He was an avid walker and cyclist logging up to 6 miles per day on his feet or 35 miles on his bike. His prime seasons for biking were early spring through fall when he would retreat to the fitness center at the Willow Valley Cultural Center.

In addition to exercise, Marvin had a deep interest for the arts, particularly sculpture, photography, and painting. Since his retirement, Marvin became a talented stone sculptor receiving numerous awards for his works in alabaster and had some of his photographs featured in local publications. While Marvin never took up a paintbrush himself, he along with Nancy, supported the local art scene in Wilmington and Rehoboth, DE.  He also volunteered and exhibited at the Lancaster County Art Association.

Dubbed as a “Renaissance man”,  Marvin could often be found in the classroom in one capacity or another.  He volunteered as a docent at Longwood Gardens for 25 years, guiding tourists and locals alike through the ins and outs of the beautiful grounds. He served as a docent at the University of Delaware Marine Science Department in Lewes, DE, attended the Delaware Photographic Society, the Rehoboth Art League, and others. He enjoyed popping into Franklin and Marshall College lecture halls to participate in a variety of activities/topics.

Finally, Marvin dedicated a large part of his life to Grace United Methodist Church, serving tirelessly in a variety of capacities. He was an usher and sat on many different councils/groups including the Staff Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee, Ad Council, and was President of the Trustees. His desire to continue learning and enriching himself was evident in his participation in many Sunday School studies, continuing at Epworth in Rehoboth, DE, and First Church in Lancaster, PA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in the Joseph F. McDonald Auditorium, 950 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street PA 17584 on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The service will be available via livestream by clicking on the following link:

https://my.gather.app/remember/marvin-reinhart

Interment will be in Lower Brandywine Cemetery, 101 Old Kennett Rd., Wilmington, DE 19807 on Friday, September 16th, 2022 at 11:00 AM.  For those desiring to celebrate/recognize/honor Marvin’s life, donations can be made to the Memory Care fund at Willow Valley Communities.  To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com