Reynold Albert DeCarli

Our unconditionally loving and compassionate patriarch passed away peacefully on August 28, 2021 surrounded by family.
Reynold Albert DeCarli was born in Atlas, PA, son of Francesco Domenico DeCarli and Mary Ellen Colross-DeCarli on September 26, 1920, the last of 7 children, and was moved to Mt. Carmel, PA by horse and buggy. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School, attended Welding School, then worked in the Baltimore shipyards (85 cents an hour!). He received draft notice Sept. 24, 1942 while in Baltimore and returned to Mt. Carmel to see family and bid farewell to brother Albert at the Mt. Carmel bus station drop. He served in the United States Army Air Corps, a branch of the US Army which evolved into the US Air Force.

His military service from 1942-1946 began in Macon, GA medic training to San Bernadino, CA, to Denver, CO Lowry Field photography school — where he meets lifelong friend Dave Davidson; they became instant lifelong friends and met their future wives on the exact same night at a dance hall in Detroit — to Romulus, MI AFB (where he meets the love of his life), to his final tour overseas on the European African Middle East Campaign, final station Abadan (Persia, now Iran) AFB. Also included in his military service are temporary assignments in Washington, DC and NY (of which we never could get a clear picture of purpose and remains a mystery!)

Beginning 1964, his family travelled by car for many years to Mt. Carmel family reunions to gather with Reynold’s family coming from PA, RI, CT, CA … his father and family immigrated from Tyrol, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews … and our host, Al Visintainer, a local friend, motel owner, chef, bartender, teller of jokes. We gather at Visintainer’s Motel (virtually unchanged since the 50s), visit the coal mine underground tour, spend a day at Knoeble’s Amusement Park, visit St. Peter’s Cemetery and the homestead on West Third Street. The central event is the reunion dinner marked with dressing up, heartfelt toasts and shared recollections (so many stories from those reunions!). In a profound way, those reunions have kept alive our family’s shared histories.

A devoted husband and true-life partner of Elizabeth, their 73 years of marriage was centered around mutual respect, compassion, and true love. Reynold lost Elizabeth in January of this year and his heart has been missing her since. The love they shared was proven every day, and we will miss seeing that love.

He never judged but always encouraged. Instead of scolding, he inspired and lead by example. A father to 3 daughters in a time when traditional roles were encouraged, Reynold and his wife believed and preached that his girls could achieve anything they wanted. Anything.

Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather is the man who made our family who we are today. He and Elizabeth have left an unmatched legacy, and the family is forever grateful. This man was always known to say, “I am blessed beyond my deserving.” But we were the lucky ones.

His grandchildren feel their very fabric as humans, and how they view the world, is all due to this man and his willingness to love versus judge. Encourage versus doubt. Grandfather lead by example and loved unconditionally. There were, and are, expectations to be a good person and care for those you love.
His legacy will live on and his love will never leave our souls.

Dearest father of Catherine (Daniel) Neibauer, Diane DeCarli-Giangrande, and Carolyn DeCarli-Conroy. Cherished grandfather of Michael (Allie) Giangrande; Christina Conroy; Danielle (Dave) Kelner, Michael (Sarah) Neibauer; Rachael Conroy, and William Conroy. Loving great-grandfather of Connor James, Olivia Ray, Fiona Irene, Isla Rose, Miles Douglas, Preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Elizabeth (nee Thompson).