Obituary of Walter Reinhardt

Walter A. Reinhardt, 92, of Smith Mountain Lake, Va. passed away in his sleep on Monday, March 10, 2014. He was born in Little Falls, New York, the 11th child of German and Irish immigrants. He moved his family to Roanoke, Virginia in 1962 to establish his firm, Material Handling Engineering. He was well known in the industry for his expertise in solving problems and fabricating any needed compnents. He never said a job couldn't be done he would find a way to fix it, do it, or invent it. During World War II, he served as an Army Air Corp sergeant flying missions over enemy territory in New Guinea. Of course, he ws our family's hero, but also an American Hero and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This medal was awarded to members of the U S Armed Forces who had shown "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight." While in Townsville, Australia, he met Penny Pengilley, a beautiful WAAAF and they fell in love. Dad loved his five children, Carolyn, Ray, Mark, Cindy and Laurie. His life was devoted to protecting and providing for all of his kids' needs long before his own. He provided us the thrill of our first cars, a good education, and fatherly guidance, but his highest calling was husband and best friend for the love of his life, soul mate and wife, Penny, who preceded him in death in 2009. Their loving and tender relationship was a guide for our families and we are truly blessed to have been provided an example of marriage and parenting as it was meant to be. Memories of Dad include his risk-taking-fast cars, fast planes, and fast boats, including jet skis and water skis. He landed his first private plane on the ice outside our house on the St. Lawrence River, New York amazing his kids and frightening his wife! Our family would especially like to thank Bedford Hospice staff member, Kim Byrd, and his longtime caregiver, our sister, Cindy, whose tender care for our Dad has been greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank the Smith Mountain Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church for the many loving visits and volunteer hours. A time to share with the family will be held at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road Roanoke on Saturday, March 15th from 4 to 6 p.m.. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, March 16, 2014 at the Smith Mountain Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church 10802 Moneta Road (Route 122). Condolences may be sent to a family email of mhe6@aol.com or to the Reinhardt's @ 128 Hearthside Street Moneta, Virginia 24121. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. 540-366-0707