Robert Frederick "Swoop" Reichert, Sr.

Robert Frederick Reichert, Sr. , aka Swoop, was born in Long Beach, California on January 30, 1960 as the only child of Harold and Susan Reichert. He passed away on Friday, May 25th at Florida Hospital Tampa. At 10:10 a.m. the fire protection system activated setting off a barrage of strobe lights and fire alarms, ending with all the fire doors closing. As the symphony display ended at 10:16 a.m., his soul was free of his cancer-wrecked body and was off to gallivant about the universe, or jump out of perfectly good airplanes, where he was known to be the happiest. The rest of the world has suffered a huge loss but Jerry Heinsohn has gained a partner in crime in the afterlife. Robert’s fondest memories were from Weldon, CA where he grew up raiding his mother’s strawberry patch to brew his special “closet” wine and would use all of his haircut “allowance” to purchase Taco Bell tacos, later charging his new ‘do to his ol’ man’s account. Luckily, despite his wily ways, he successfully survived his crazy teenage years and graduated with the Class of ‘78 at Kern Valley High. He was proud of his work with the Kern County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Unit as a diver and used to participate in MDA Dive-a-thon’s. After working for the family business, Robert became known as a “MacGyver” of sorts. He continued that saga as he went on to become a true multi craft tradesmen - Millwright/Boilermaker/Crane Operator. His real passion and zest for life could be seen when he began his career as a Health and Safety Professional. Robert had the “Gift of Gab” and was graced with the art of persuasion. He impacted the lives of many workers in the construction industry coast to coast by providing guidance, training and mentoring.  Robert had a fraternal relationship with his sons. Every outing was a wild adventure that could leave your sides hurting, your stomach churning or your hands itching to get a hold of Robert and throttle him (*just a little bit). He loved to get out with the boys as often as possible whether it was riding motorcycles, flying planes, or just fishing. He is survived by his parents Harold & Susan Reichert of Clayton, IL. Son, Robert F. Reichert, Jr. and his wife Christina of Clayton, IL. Son, Christopher F. Reichert and his wife Rocio of Bakersfield, CA. Grandchildren: Brooklyn, Camerin, Gavin, Rachel, Eden. Stepsons, Steven Wooldridge; Robert White of Locust Grove, VA; Victor White of Chesterland, OH; Dustin Bader of Athens, OH. Step-Grandchildren: Tyler, Evelynn. Two Squirrely-Sweet Potato lovin’ Yorkies: Romeo & Juliette. Countless brilliant extended family, friends, and road families. Member of the Westmoreland Masonic Lodge #257 Graveside services for Robert will be at 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Westmoreland City Cemetery.  Condolences may be left at stewartfuneralhomes.com