Stephen James Reich

Reich, Stephen James. Orange, California Loving and devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, passed away Sunday June 16, 2019. He was born on June 21, 1942 to the late Julius Herbert Reich and Eleanor Grace (Crowley) Reich in Buffalo, NY. Stephen was an entrepreneur, owning his own businesses for over 50 years. Steve served in the United States Marine Corp from 1966 to 1972 and was Honorably Discharged. Stephen enjoyed the love of his family and friends. His passion in life was stock car racing. He raced stock cars on dirt and asphalt starting in 1955 on tracks in Canada, New York, Pennsylvania and California. He owned and sponsored race cars after his driving career ended in 1981 until his death. He had a ready smile and a playful heart, making friends wherever he went. On November 6, 1965 he married the former Betty Jane "BJ" Webb who preceded him in death on April 3, 2018. Survivors include their children: Julius Herbert (Monica) Reich II and Stephanie Anne (Tony) Fermelia; grandchildren: Jacob and Theodore Reich; James, Grace, Sofia, and Jack Fermelia; his brother, Dan Reich; along with niece Amy and nephew Daniel, Jr Reich. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, James Carl Reich. His niece Patricia "Tisha" Ridal was by his side caring for him through his fight with heart disease. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 12, 2019 at 12:30 PM at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress, CA.