Robert C. Reighard, 79, of Allentown, died with his family by his side, Oct. 2, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Salisbury Township.

He was the husband of Barbara A. (Buchman) Reighard and celebrated 42 years of marriage together this past June.

Born in Baltimore, he was a son of the late Howard and Mabel (Brown) Reighard.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Widener University, he worked at Firestone for a few years before starting a 30-year career with Air Products.

He became responsible for the sales and operation, and project management of hydrogen plants.

In this role, he traveled extensively domestically and internationally and was instrumental in the development and installation of each location.

He was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Allentown where he was a former chairman of the board of trustees and a part of the Pioneers Sunday School class.

Being very organized made him the perfect fit to oversee snow removal and serve as the grounds and systems director for the Regency Association of South Whitehall, where he and his wife resided.

He looked forward to his beach and camping trips with his friends and family.

He loved to golf, play pinochle and all kinds of games.

He loved to eat and enjoy a meal with friends and family and then relax with a Rusty Nail or an Old Fashioned.

Above all he was a family man.

He lived to celebrate his family’s many milestones and cherished their time together.

He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend, and neighbor and will be missed by many.

Surviving along with his wife Barbara, are his children Julie Saitta and husband Tom, Matthew Reighard, Lara Walker and husband Jesse, Christopher Rau, Andrew Rau and wife Amy, Jeffrey Rau and wife Sarah, Jenny Rakus, sister Betsy Lindsey, grandchildren Jared, Emily, Zoe, Colby, Alex, Ryan, Jesse, Devin, Layden, Abby, Wyatt, Lucy, Jayla and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased in death by a son Michael Rau, sister Barbara, and brother Jay.

There will be a calling period 10-11 a.m. Oct. 10, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown.

A memorial service will follow in the sanctuary at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the church.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brubakerfuneralhome.com.

Brubaker Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to handle the arrangements.