An overflow crowd filled the American Legion hall in Coplay Oct. 1 to pay tribute to Stanley W. Reinhard Jr. for his decades-long service to the American Legion and the community. During the program, the South Second Street Legion home was renamed in his honor - Stanley W. Reinhard Jr. American Legion Post 426.

Reinhard, with a bigger-than-life personality, rose from a delivery milkman with Freeman’s Dairy to the highest rung in Pennsylvania American Legion affairs. He was remembered fondly at the ceremony, not only for his civic achievements but as a caring person to his family, people from all walks of life and his church.

Reinhard died July 7, 2015. His work and engaging smile lives on as the speakers and others Saturday chronicled the decades of service the affable borough resident gave to the American Legion. His dedication was unwavering to veterans, surviving families of those who served in the Armed Forces and youth, through his commitment to the Scotland School.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Post 426 Commander Larry Gutleber paused for a moment, then officially declared the Legion home name change to Stanley W. Reinhard Jr. American Legion Post 426. A burst of applause from the appreciative crowd echoed throughout.

“Well done, good and blessed service,” Gutleber said of Reinhard’s contribution to the American Legion and the community.

Serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, Reinhard came back home, more dedicated than ever to helping community and country. He joined Coplay Fire Company, became the borough’s fire chief and immersed himself in the American Legion and the baseball program in Coplay.

Speakers, such as Pennsylvania Legion State Commander Carl Olshefskie, noted Reinhard’s many accomplishments as post, regional and state commander. Reinhard served as state Legion adjutant and the CEO of American Legion affairs, which took him from his office outside of Harrisburg to the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C.

State Rep. Dan McNeill, D-133rd, recalled Reinhard’s legacy, calling for a moment of silence in remembrance of the legendary man. He presented Reinhard’s widow, Beverly, with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, addressed Reinhard’s contributions, presenting Beverly with a citation from the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sprinkling humor in with some serious reflections were James Hahn, representing the Post 426 home association, and Gutleber.

Penny Reinhard, Reinhard’s daughter, spoke on behalf of her siblings, recalling from childhood her father’s devotion to Coplay’s American Legion, its bingos and other activities.

Borough council had a delegation present. Other legion posts were represented. Pastor Timothy Boyer of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where Reinhard served in various capacities, gave the invocation. Reinhard’s grandson, the Rev. Mark Ruzicka, gave the benediction.