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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Alan Theodore Reiver “Ted”

Alan Theodore Reiver, “Ted”, age 81, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 with his loving family by his side, at Christiana Hospital in Newark.

Ted was born in Wilmington in 1944, son of the late Julius and Iona P. Reiver. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1962 and Tarkio College in Tarkio, MO in 1967. Ted owned and operated Hyman Reiver & Co. A family business started by his grandfather of floor coverings and window treatments. Ted kept the family business going until his retirement in 2023.

Ted was a member of the Talleyville–Naamans Lion’s Club since 1983, he was also the District Governor for Delaware District 22D, from 1998-1999, he was the International Director of Lions Clubs International from 2011 to 2013. He held many other offices in the Lion’s Clubs. Ted was a member of the Wilmer Eye Institute, Board of Governors, and a life member of the Delaware Enduro Riders Club.

Ted loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved speed, heights and adrenaline. Whether he was racing motorcycles, bungee jumping, plunging into the freezing ocean or rappelling down buildings, he was there for it all. He travelled extensively throughout the years with his wife Ann, making friends all over the world.  Known for his boundless generosity and unshakable integrity, Ted gave freely, whether it was his time, wisdom, or a helping hand. His kindness radiated through his signature smile.

He will be forever remembered for his humor, in literally any situation. His wit was matched only by his warmth-he could joke with a stranger and make them feel like a lifelong friend. A devoted husband, a proud father, and the most loving grandfather, he poured himself into every relationship with patience, humor, and boundless love. He was present. He attended as many sports games and concerts as he could, and his pride would beam at each one.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Daniel Reiver and his nephew, Will DeMarino. Ted is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ann E. Reiver of Wilmington, DE, his daughter Pamela Marts and son-in-law Doug Marts, his grandchildren; Alec Marts, Carter Marts and Blake Marts, all of Pennsville, NJ., his sisters; Joanna Reiver (Arnold Rosoff), of Wilmington, DE and Betsy DeMarino (Ed Weisbrod), of West Chester, PA., and his uncle, Ernest Reiver, of Austin TX.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at The Carriage House at Rockwood, 4671 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. A visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with a Celebrations of Life beginning at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Delaware Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 393, Camden, DE 19934, AltruVision–A Lion’s Eye Bank, 401 North 3rd Street, Suite 305, Philadelphia, PA 19123-4101 or to a charity of your choice.

Funeral Services

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at The Carriage House at Rockwood, 4671 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. A visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with a Celebrations of Life beginning at 1:30 pm.

Condolences

    Paul Waibel writes,
    T R the great as we knew him always there and ready to help! His laugh was contagious he will be missed by so many people. Rest easy my friend till we meet again.
    07/23/2025 09:31 pm
    Gedd Eigler lit a candle and writes,
    Lighting a candle for you and yours, (a tradition practiced and taught us by my mother) . Ted, what a special classmate and friend. If only the world could emulate what you made seem so easy to be. Shalom.
    07/24/2025 09:30 am
    Clyde Bragg writes,
    The world lost a good man, my friend Ted Reiver. A dedicated Lion, he was a leader that was compassionate and caring. His humor was always present. He and I were having a discussion about how we should be remembered once we signed in to the Great Lions Club in the sky; Ted got very serious, pondered for a while then said "I want to be remembered as a mushroom." Curious, I asked him why that? Ted's response: "I want to be remembered as a fun guy (fungi!!)" That was Ted! He will be missed, and we wish his family comfort as they deal with the loss of a great man. In Yiddish, he would rightly be called a mensch, and that is what he was. ....
    07/24/2025 11:34 am
    Ken Ibarra writes,
    I met Ted in SF for the Lions board meeting in 2011. Along with sidekick Jim Cavallero of Pennsylvania, we spent a couple hours at Lefty O’Doul’s, a restaurant bar in Union Square. The stories, the laughter, the beer. We became fast friends… a couple hours I will never forget. Rest in peace Smiley Ted.
    07/24/2025 11:46 am
    Ken Deats writes,
    Ted was my classmate at Mount Pleasant, a constantly smiling face. He was also a fellow Lion in the Lions Club, and became the International President, a feat few achieve. He remained a close friend, always in touch through Facebook and email. I last spoke with Ted at our MtP 60th Reunion at the home of Bob DuHadaway in north Wilmington. I extend my sincere condolences to Ann, Pam and the rest of his loving family.
    07/24/2025 12:32 pm
    Don Francisco writes,
    Ted lived across the street from me when I was born and soon after our mothers introduced us. Truly a lifelong friend who will be missed, even after these more than 80 years.
    07/24/2025 12:37 pm
    Jane Gray Daniels writes,
    Ted and his siblings lived not quite next door. My siblings and his crossed a neighbors lawn to play endless hours in the woods in our back yard while we were growing up. He and I were in many classes together in elementary, junior high, and senior high. Playing practical jokes on our physic teacher is something I remember fondly from our high school days. Jane
    07/24/2025 01:51 pm
    Gary Pippin writes,
    I have known Ted through the Delaware Lion’s Club! He was a devoted Lion and one of our biggest comedians! He always had a funny story to tell and always had a smile on his face! I also received one of his awards one year the Ted Reiver Lions award. Ted was one of several Lions at our meetings I would always look forward to seeing. We talked about traveling and his motorcycle days! He loved his family and wife Ann. I will miss him greatly and even more so next month when we install a new Lion’s Governor at the Banner Transfer in August! He loved going to all the Lion’s events he could! God Bless you faithful friend and sevent! May God Bless Ted’s whole family!
    07/24/2025 04:51 pm
    Donna Martone Cohen lit a candle and writes,
    God bless you and your family.
    07/24/2025 07:51 pm
    Hyland Tindall writes,
    Ted and I were in the same 1st grade class together.He remained a friend his entire life! Was a special guy
    07/25/2025 09:36 am
    virginia bennett writes,
    Ted and his father Jules were very influential in the life of my late husband, Steve Bennett. They always gave Steve sound advice and he truly appreciated it. The Reivers and the Bennett family were very close at one point. A great family. My condolences, Ginny Pankowski Bennett.
    07/25/2025 12:19 pm
    Gerry Resnick writes,
    I got to know Ted in 1957 when we traveled by bus, from Wilmington to the Boy Scout camp in Cimarron, NM. He was always pleasant and fun to be around. My condolences to his family.
    07/25/2025 02:04 pm
    john butler writes,
    I will certainly miss my best friend for the last 65 years. We met as teenagers and shared our interests in cars. Ted went so far as to get a haircut and trimmed his mustache when in our wedding. We worked together for few years. Both of us had different solutions to problems. But we both agreed to be satisfied with the final outcome. We road enduro bikes together and lived to talk about it! Vacationing together with our families was always an adventure. From his Jaguar to his Shelby Mustang, he was always passionate about his cars. Always enjoying life and helping friends in everything he did. Thanks for everything.
    07/25/2025 03:52 pm
    Paul Thielemann writes,
    Ted always had a “Need for Speed” outlook even in high school. A friend from high school and beyond. In 1965 we were at the Horse & Buggy Tavern on Marsh Road and I let him drive my 1964 Chevy Impala 327 4-speed convertible. He drove to the Green Acres development…..If the State Police had caught us “speeding” in Green Acres we would likely just be getting out of jail in 2025…..Rest In Peace Ted.
    07/26/2025 10:29 am
    Hank Meixner writes,
    I am so sorry for the loss of a wonderful person. Ted was one of my best friends growing up. He and his family moved across the street when we were both about 8 years old. We did so much together. Early on we bonded because of our love of building things, (go carts, motor bikes), anything mechanical. Ted could fix anything. I enjoyed hanging out with Ted in grade school, high school and adult hood. In our early 20s, we lived together in a farm house with other friends and later shared an apartment in North Wilmington. Ted and I both loved speed, hot rods and motorcycles. I think the last time we talked was at a class reunion and yeah, our cars and motorcycles were topics. I can only imagine his involvement and his dedication to the Lions Organization. Ted had a wonderful family that he was proud of! Ted will be missed by all the lives he touched.
    07/26/2025 12:55 pm
    Susan Citr-Curlett lit a candle and writes,
    Sending my condolences to Ann and Pam. So sorry for your loss. Ted and my husband Larry were friends for many years with the Dela Enduro club. I’m hoping they have reunited in heaven sharing memories and good time together. ❤️
    07/26/2025 07:50 pm
    John Conly lit a candle and writes,
    Pam, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. During this difficult time, I hope you are comforted by the fact that he loved you and your family.
    07/27/2025 02:04 pm
    Bob Corlew writes,
    Dianne and I express our sincerest condolences. Ted and I served on the Board of the Lions Club together. Ted was sometimes quiet, but he always had a ready smile and a contagious laugh. He was a friend you could always depend on. But don't try to keep up with him when you're driving! The world is a better place because Ted Reiver lived! He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
    07/27/2025 02:23 pm
    Sandy Akell Seidel lit a candle and writes,
    I went junior & senior high with Ted. Once you met Ted, he was your friend for life no matter what the relationship was. Ted had a special warmth about him. He cared about you. He was funny, kind, caring, and loved adventure. Our fathers became life long friends. Ted was the world’s chief Lion. How blessed the Lions were to have him. We will truly miss him and his gentle smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Our high school class has lost another Green Knight. Sandy Akell Seidel, class of 1962
    08/13/2025 12:03 pm
    Vickie L Smith writes,
    My husband & I were Ted & Ann’s mentors when he came on the Intl Board of Directors for Lions - a friendship forever - his smile (& he was always smiling) will never be forgotten - so enjoyed catching up with Ted & Ann at conventions and forums - many great memories - my love to Ann & prayers for comfort & peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
    08/27/2025 01:29 pm
    Lion Theresa Morris lit a candle and writes,
    Ted, a spectacular, beautifully shining humanitarian. You will be forever missed.
    08/27/2025 02:30 pm
    Betsy Ohsol Gustafson writes,
    Ted was one of my brother, Blake Ohsol's best friends in his MtP high school days. I am 13 years younger, but I enjoyed attending your 25th MtP reunion with everyone and just attended my 50th MtP reunion last year. Blake passed 11 years ago, so hopefully you two can catch up in heaven. My love and condolences to sisters Joanna and Betsy and all his loved ones and our mutual friends.
    09/28/2025 02:30 pm
    Al Ward writes,
    Ann, Cheryl and I were shocked to hear of Ted's passing. It was such a pleasure serving with the two of you. He certainly helped make the year fun. You have our deepest sympathies. I'm so sorry we didn't make the Celebration of Life. Cheryl doesn't do much traveling these days because of her health issues. I intended to come, but that morning Cheryl felt worse than usual and we spent the day in the emergency room. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Pam as you navigate this difficult time. Take Care and May God Bless, Al Ward, PDG
    09/30/2025 03:45 pm
    Robert A Nagle lit a candle and writes,
    Ann, I am so sorry to hear about Ted's passing. I have knew both of you for many years, you from Harvey Road Apartments and Teddy, working on cars together, at his father's shop. I last talked to Ted at his family's old store, now a Saab Museum . I regret not hearing about his passing earlier, but I would like to offer my condolences to you Ann and the entire family.
    10/31/2025 12:17 pm

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