Herbert George Reis, 85, of Massillon, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 23rd at Mercy Medical Center.  He came from humble beginnings, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 1, 1937, and was adopted by Henry George and Julia (Bentz) Reis of Amherst, Ohio.  He learned along the way that he had a younger brother, Robert Barr, who unfortunately passed away not long after Herb found him.

As a child he worked on George and Julia's farm, and learned that he loved working the farm and growing things. He did well in school and was so popular, they elected him as the president of the class.  After graduating from Amherst High School in 1955, he attended a technical school in downtown Cleveland where he learned to be a medical lab technician.  Afterwards, he worked several years for Green Cross Hospital (Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls) where he made numerous lifelong friendships.

Herb worked his way through serving in the US Army Reserves and the US Air Force Reserves, and then attending Akron City College (University of Akron) and Kent State University.  From there he eventually became employed as a Rehabilitation Counselor and later as the Assistant Area Manager for the Rehabilitation Services Commission, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, both in Akron and Canton.  He worked extensively with persons with disabilities and always treated each person the same as he would treat anyone else.  It was a beautiful thing to watch them interact together.

Early on, he married and they had two beautiful children (in his own words) together. He liked being married and being a family man.  He stayed with Rehabilitation Services Commission until he took early retirement.  Upon retiring, he remarried and enjoyed life with his wife and two more children.  He expressed his love for ALL of his children and grandchildren every day until the day he passed away.

He enjoyed volunteering at Doctors Hospital, Perry Township, for several years and made a difference in the lives of many people.

Herb was a gentleman, gentle and loving with people young and old, and had many friends.  He adored children and loved animals.  He was a gregarious soul, and literally "sparkled" when he was around people.  He was a loyal friend and compassionate.

Herb was always health conscious and worked out most of his adult life.  This contributed greatly to his good health and stamina throughout his 85 years.

He was passionate and serious about his Christian faith, being a veteran and a proud patriot.  He was a man of integrity and was always teaching those around him about life.  His favorite word was "BALANCE".

Herb loved military movies and westerns.  He was a good dancer and loved most music.  However, his personal lifelong passion was gardening.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosemarie (Augustine) Reis; daughter Valerie (David) Schaar, of Green, Ohio; son Thomas Tiratto Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio; son and daughter of his previous marriage, Kurt (Shannon) Reis, of High Springs, Florida; and Marcy Hess, of Fishers, Indiana; as well as 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.  He will greatly be missed.

No services are being held at this time.

Waltner-SIMCHAK Funeral Home Locally Owned Since 1917 330-455-0293