David J. Rheel

Hadley

David J. Rheel, 75, of Hadley Hill Road, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness.

Born on February 12, 1943 in Brooklyn NY, he was the son of the late Louis and Susan (Taylor) Rheel.  

David married the love of his life, Kathleen Christensen on May 24, 1965 in Elkton, MD.  They enjoyed 53 years of marriage.

He had been employed at Orange Motors as a truck mechanic, at Western Restoration and most recently as a beloved school bus driver for the Hadley Luzerne Central School from 2005 to the time of his passing.

David was an avid outdoorsman and had a great appreciation for wildlife- including the local black bears who would often roam through his back yard. He loved to go camping and fishing with his wife, son and grand daughters. 

When his sons were young, David was a Webelos Den Leader. Teaching children the value of nature carried over into his bus driving career as he would often slow or stop the bus, allowing the little ones to watch turtles, bunnies, deer, possums, horses at the Scofield Farm and foxes out the windows. He always found joy in the laughter and smiles of the children he drove to and from home each and every day and made it a priority to learn each of their names. 

David was a straight forward and honest man, placing tremendous value in a hard days work. 

David was predeceased by his parents; a son, David P. Rheel; a sister, Donna L. Dunham.

Survivors include his loving wife: Kathleen Rheel; one son: Michael (Roette) Rheel of Lake Luzerne; two granddaughters: Jennifer M. Brayton (Lucky) and Krysta C. Rheel (Matthew); four great grandchildren: Xavier, Juliana, Jaden and Phoenix, several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Brewer Funeral Home, Inc., 24 Church St., Lake Luzerne.

Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Neil Shupp, officiating.

Contributions in David’s memory may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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