Andreas G. Reichert

Andreas Gerhard Reichert, 30, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 24, 2023, after battling cancer. He was surrounded by his family singing his favorite worship songs as he left to join his Lord and Savior in Heaven. 

Born on January 19, 1993, in Ottawa, Ontario, Andreas was the firstborn son of Gerhard and Gayle (Sloan) Reichert. Andreas graduated from Claymont High School after spending his junior year growing and sharing Jesus at an International Christian Tennis Academy in Florida. He went on to pursue Computer Science at Baldwin Wallace and Business Administration at Kent State University, befriending everyone he met along the way. As he grew up, Andreas chose to stay close to home, working many years at Progressive Foam Technologies, diving into financial investment strategies to help those in need, and most recently, welcoming every customer with a smile in retail sales at Lowes. 

Andreas was a gentle giant. He was humble, easy-going, caring, and a powerful example of unconditional love to all who crossed his path. He never desired the spotlight. He was highly perceptive, with an uncanny memory for detail. Growing up, Andreas was the daredevil who knew no fear and the most natural athlete, abounding in limitless energy. He competed in tennis, but also enjoyed soccer, gymnastics, ping pong, snow skiing, water sports, video games, and collectible card games with friends. He cherished spending time boating with family and often brought his friends along. His favorite place in the world was the country of Georgia where his long-time best friend, Natalia, lived. They had a special love for one another. Andreas’ personality lightened the mood of any room he entered. He could get a laugh out of anyone with his witty humor, and he always wore the biggest smile of us all. 

Most importantly to him, Andreas loved the Lord and could often be found reading his Bible and singing praises to God. Andreas accepted Jesus as his Lord with his dad on July 12, 2005, and was baptized by his pastor uncle Greg at the family’s favorite lake. Andreas attended First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia, where his congregation rallied around him like family during his journey with cancer.  He enjoyed ministering to others both in his local community and around the world. Andreas recently said his favorite memories included helping with the local jail ministry, doing outreach with his tennis academy, going on a mission trip to Mongolia with his family, and celebrating the souls who accepted Jesus as a response to his bold and loving heart. His greatest passion in life was to help people, and he sought opportunities to share the hope of the gospel everywhere he went. 

Andreas said he had a wonderful life. Throughout his cancer journey, Andreas often stated that he was just grateful for God and salvation, no matter the outcome. Despite many difficult trials in his life, Andreas was always grateful and content knowing he had the love of God. Even during the last meeting with his cancer doctor at Akron General, his heart shined as he ended the time praying with her, thanking God for the help she and the entire medical team provided him. Andreas always found reasons to pray and thank God. He was the best worshipper of us all, so it was only right that Andreas left this earth after worshipping with his family. 

Andreas will be deeply missed and is survived by his parents, Gerhard and Gayle Reichert; siblings, Tanya Reichert, Tobias (Riley) Reichert, and the beloved family dog, Ginger; his Opa, Friedhold Reichert; his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives; and the countless neighbors, classmates, and coworkers Andreas gladly called his friends. Like Jesus, Andreas was a stranger to none and friend to all. 

The family will greet guests on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in the First Baptist Church at New Philadelphia from 4:00 – 7:00 PM and again on Friday, one hour prior to services from 10-11 AM. Pastor Todd Gopp will lead a celebration of Andreas’s life beginning at 11 AM. Following the service, the family invites everyone to a time of food and fellowship (Andreas would have wanted anyone to come). 

Andreas always wanted to return to Mongolia for missions work with the Cofer family. In lieu of gifts or flowers, his family asks that memorial contributions be directed in his honor to the missions work in Mongolia. Gifts may be directed to the Andreas Reichert Memorial Fund on GoFundME.