11/26/2017
My dad passed away peacefully in Spring Hill on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017. We called him Papa. He was 85.
Papa was born November 7, 1932 in Northampton, Pennsylvania, to Clifford and Jenny (Muschko) Reph. He enlisted in the Air Force on his 17th birthday (1949) and served in Korea. Papa married my mother in 1952 (Mary Ann Scheirer), and they just celebrated their 65th anniversary in August.
Papa had two brothers and a sister (Clinton “Red” Reph, Ronald Reph, and Kathleen Grabarits).
Papa had five children: Glenn Reph, Jr., me, Debra Snyder, Stephanie Hoffman, and, Jennifer who was stillborn.
Papa had twelve grandchildren: Timothy, Wendy, Rachel, Michael, Jessica, Scott Jr., Elizabeth, Heather, Brandon, Brittany, Joey, Nicole.
Papa had eighteen great grandchildren: Josiah, Abigail, Eliana, Lillian, Isabel, Arden, Henry, Hunter, Jameson, Brody, Luke, Ronan, Isaiah, Mackenzie, Mason, Parker, Allie and Taylor.
Papa was stationed in Waco, Texas when he returned from Korea. He tried his luck at a putt-putt golf business in Waco. Then he, mom and baby Glenn moved back to Allentown and he became a salesman for Kraft Foods in Allentown. A few years later Papa opened the Glenn Allen Diner, which boasted to have “the largest cup of coffee in town”. It was just across the bridge from town. That bridge was unexpectedly closed for repairs, making the diner go out of business.
After the diner, Papa struggled to find his way, often holding 2 or three jobs to make ends meet. I have often thought of his strong will to provide for his family at the expense to his “image” and his health. Thank you Papa!
Papa landed a job with the Silver City Glass Company of Meriden, CT, changing everything.
A few years later, he was the owner of Reph & Sons Insulation of Amherst, Ohio. Then he owned Lino’s Bakery and Glenn Allen Bagels of Escondido, CA. Papa was a 32-degree Mason for many years, a member of Southern Baptist Churches since July 1963; and Abundant Blessings Messianic Family Worship Center in Brooksville, Florida.
Papa loved the Jewish people and in November of 1999 he toured the Holy Land. He often said he was “a completed Jew” who believes Jesus is the promised messiah.
Papa loved fishing with his buddy Chuck. He loved to watch football, even when the Bucs loose.
Papa loved his family. Everyone who knew him liked him. He was that type of guy. I love you Papa!
