Obituary of Donna Renee Reichert

DOB 10/05/1940 DOD 01/31/2026 Written and provided by family. Donna Renee Reichert (DeGasperi), born October 5, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, lived a life filled with music, laughter, and deep connection to others. Raised in the Beechview neighborhood, Donna grew up loving the water, roller skating, and being surrounded by family, faith, and community. From an early age, music was woven into her life, inspired by her father, a professional musician, and nurtured through her own talent on the cello and her beautiful singing voice. Donna attended Duquesne University on a full music scholarship, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education. Though encouraged to pursue a performance career, her heart was always set on teaching children. That calling took her across the country before she eventually settled in Othello, Washington, where she spent over 30 years teaching elementary music in the North Franklin School District. In 2001, she was honored as Educator of the Year—an award that perfectly reflected her passion, energy, and impact on generations of students. Donna was also a very spiritual person, deeply embedded in her faith in God and was the church pianist for many years. In 1972, while on a European music tour, Donna met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Reichert. True to her bold and outgoing nature, she “just happened” to get on the same bus as him. They were married four weeks later and shared 53 years of marriage, raising three children and building a life centered on music, theater, and community. Donna sang, played, acted, accompanied, directed children’s choirs, helped run the local showhouse, and never stopped talking to—or caring about—everyone she met. Funny, feisty, and endlessly kind, Donna never met a stranger. She loved deeply, gave freely, and left every place brighter than she found it. Donna passed away at her home on January 31, 2026 surrounded by her husband and children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adam and Mary DeGasperi, and her brother Frank. She is survived by her husband Bob; her children Reneé (Garrett) Bagley, Treva Reichert, and Robert Reichert Jr.; Lukas (Lena) Vetter, who became a beloved member of the family; her treasured granddaughter Paige (Eddie) Petersen; sisters-in-law Florence and Dorothy; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s name to Adams County Pet Rescue or a charity of your choice.