Daniel Reith

Daniel Joseph Reith, aged 69, passed away on January 10th, 2024 at his home in Deer Park, TX. Born March 31st, 1954 in Syracuse, NY, Dan was a man of many gifts and an adventurous spirit. At a young age and with the guidance of his father, he and his brother helped completely renovate a neglected, historic farmhouse into the family’s new home.

The brothers worked as auto mechanics in high school and Dan developed the foundation for his technical aptitude and what would later become his trade. Dan was passionate about his vehicles, loved muscle cars, and was good with his hands. As a young man, he rebuilt a beloved classic Pontiac GTO and later kept a special edition Spirit of ’76 Chevy Bonanza truck with a custom patriotic paint job.

Artistically gifted, he also pursued interests in photography, music, and drama, the former of which earned him several awards for his photographs in competitions. He had a mind that saw the world differently, thought independently, and wasn’t afraid to challenge beliefs or unchecked notions. His boldness extended to the way he lived, leading him to pick up his life in upstate New York as a young man of 22 and set out on a Kawasaki motorcycle for Texas, where he settled near the Gulf Coast for the rest of his life. He embraced his role as a naturalized Texan with pride.

In Texas, he met and married Janice Lynn McCannon, a union that would last 39 years, make him a stepfather, and later a father. His career pursuing his trade of mechanics would evolve with his dedicated work ethic and attention to detail into millwright, and during his 16 year career with Houston Lighting & Power, he would be certified by his employer with the honor of “Master Mechanic,” a title that would make him well-respected and looked up to amongst his colleagues.

In 1987 and again in 1990, he became a biological father to two children in addition to his stepson with Janice. Dan adored his three children and shared with them his passions for music, art, history, and debate. He passed onto them a witty sense of humor, a dedication to critical and independent thought, and his love for animals and nature. His children cherish memories of him sharing his vinyl record collection with them, taking them camping with the scouts, teaching them how to drive or fix their cars, and making many sarcastic, silly jokes.

On one particular occasion, his teenage son David ruined the engine in his newly acquired VW Jetta. Distraught and ashamed, David called Dan in a panic with this insurmountable tragedy, thinking his new freedom and agency was gone. Instead of scolding David, Dan told him “let’s find a new engine.” They did, and Dan helped his son get his rebuilt car back on the road.

When disaster struck in 1993 and he was diagnosed with lymphoma, his tenacity would help him persevere through chemotherapy. The treatments temporarily robbed him of his naturally curly hair, but never of his spirit. After succeeding in his battle with the disease, he would remain in remission for the rest of his life.

When the state of Texas deregulated its power markets and HL&P was split into three companies, his career at the Bacliff P.H. Robinson HL&P plant came to an end in the form of one of their many layoffs. After a transitional period, he returned to his trade as a millwright, this time as a traveling contractor being sent all over the country and the world, working for Dresser-Rand, Revak, and others.

Dan worked very hard to support his family, often toiling out of town on contracts that sometimes had him working 10-12 hour days for a number of days in a row and sacrificing his body, a regular schedule around the home, and sleep. His dedication to his family is remembered with love.

Dan is survived by the mother of his children Janice Reith, children David and Stephanie Reith, stepchild Westley Evans, mother Wanda Reith, brother Arnie Reith, sister Bethanne Greene, and is predeceased by his father, Bernard Reith.

Dan’s viewing and visitation is Friday, January 26, 2024 at 4pm at Bay Area Funeral Directors in Texas City, TX with an internment & service to be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to a non-profit aiding his beloved Gulf Coast home, the Galveston Bay Foundation at their website www.galvbay.org.