Chester August Reis

Chester August Reis, 93, (also known as Chet or Caesar Augustus to some) of Torrington, CT died peacefully on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at his home with his loving wife Mary and eldest son Tim close by. Chet was born in Torrington, CT in 1930, the youngest son of Italian-born Ralph Reis and Rena Reis. He enjoyed the company of his brothers Victor and Joe. The Reis boys grew up in a house with a big garden and grapevine to make their own wine. He graduated from Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, Class of 1948. Married for 68 years to Mary Eleanor (Morando) Reis  - who he met after an across the booth glance in an ice cream shop in 1950 - Chet was blessed to have found the love of his life. Their love held strong throughout their lives and served as an example to their children and friends.
Chet served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953, mostly in Germany. Chet was employed at the Torrington Company from 1953 until 1983 where he worked as a skilled machinist and supervisor. From 1983 to 1993, he worked at Becton-Dickinson in Canaan, CT where Chet created the molds that make medical syringes.
Chet enjoyed fishing, bowling, and gardening - especially growing his world-class tomatoes. He was an avid home handyman, having helped friends and family with home improvement 
projects over the decades. He was also a member of the Elks Club for 57 years. If you asked people what they thought of Chet, you would hear: great person, amazingly kind, extremely patient, trustworthy and always helpful. Moreover, they would say that he had a great sense of humor and especially knew how get a laugh when one was needed.
In addition to his wife Mary, survivors include son Timothy Reis and his wife Debbie Pond-Reis of Rochester, VT, son Michael Reis and his wife Ingrid Reis of Chapin, SC, son David Reis and his wife Tracy Reis of Lenox, MA. He also leaves his grandchildren Jackson Reis of Attleboro, MA and Amelia Reis of Lenox, MA. He leaves many nephews and nieces, neighbors and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Victor Reis and Joseph Reis, both of Torrington, CT.
In lieu of flowers, please work to be kind and patient with the world, be good to your family and friends and always try to make others smile and laugh. A donation to a charity of the donor’s choice in Chet’s honor would also be welcomed.  Funeral Services will be held Friday May 26 at 11 AM at Phalen Funeral Home.  Friends may call from 10 to 11 AM.  www.phalenfuneral.com

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