William Michael Reiter

William Michael Reiter of Venice, Florida, formerly of Clinton, New York, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 82.

Born on February 29, 1944, in New York City, Bill was a proud Leap Year Baby who enjoyed joking that the date made him only one-quarter his age. After spending his early years on Long Island, he moved with his family at age four to the small town of Guilford in upstate New York. The son of Michael and Matilda Reiter and older brother of Keith Reiter, he was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Bill graduated from what became Bainbridge-Guilford High School, then earned his degree from Bloomsburg State University in central Pennsylvania and later a Master’s Degree in Education from the State University of New York at Albany. He began his career teaching mathematics at John F. Kennedy High School in Utica, New York, before becoming a full-time Driver’s Education instructor at New Hartford Central School. He earned wide respect in the field and served for many years on the Oneida County Traffic Safety Board.

While teaching at JFK, Bill met fellow educator Edith Mae Hughes. They married in August 1967 and built a life together filled with love, adventure, and quiet devotion. Their sons, Scott William Reiter (Lauren Colicelli) and Stephen Michael Reiter (Julie Reiter), were born in 1968 and 1970. The family settled in the village of Clinton, where the boys enjoyed a happy childhood. Bill and Edie later cherished their roles as grandparents to Madeline Hart Reiter and Eliza Hart Reiter.

In addition to teaching, Bill founded Suburban Electric in 1974 and operated the small contracting business until retirement, taking pride in employing local electricians. A longtime member and leader of the Clinton United Methodist Church, he served many years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, generously applying his electrical expertise to the congregation. In Florida, he continued his community service as Treasurer and member of the Infrastructure Committee for the Venetia Community Homeowners Association. In recent years, he and Edie resided at the Ellison Assisted Living Facility in Venice with their beloved cat Hemmy.

Bill and Edie’s greatest shared joy was travel. Together they explored all 50 states and many national parks in their camper van and journeyed abroad whenever they could. Bill is remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, dedicated educator, and faithful servant to his communities. He leaves behind his wife of nearly six decades, Edie, their sons and daughters-in-law, and his two granddaughters.