Robert J. Reichlin, 83, company chairman, civic leader

Robert J. Reichlin, 83, of Bala Cynwyd, a company chairman and civic leader, died of pneumonia Monday at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Since 1996, Mr. Reichlin had been chairman of Zuckerman-Honickman Inc., a distributor of glass and plastic containers in King of Prussia. He had previously served as company president for more than 30 years. He was former president of the Pennsylvania Soft Drink Suppliers Association.

Mr. Reichlin was past chairman of the Federation of Allied Jewish Appeal and past vice president of the Federation of Jewish Agencies in Philadelphia.

He served on numerous boards, including Gratz College, the Epilepsy Foundation, Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (formerly the Akiba Hebrew Academy) in Merion, and the Belmont Center, a psychiatric center. He was former treasurer and budget chairman of the board of Albert Einstein Medical Center.

"He felt it was important to give back," said his son, Larry.

Mr. Reichlin graduated from West Philadelphia High School. He was a Navy lieutenant during World War II and commanded a landing craft in the Pacific.

After his discharge he earned a bachelor's degree from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. Later he joined the school's board and in the 1990s chaired the identity committee, which oversaw the school's name and status change to become Philadelphia University. Most recently Mr. Reichlin was vice president of the university's board of trustees and chaired its planning committee.

"His stewardship during a time of significant growth and transformation will have a positive impact on this institution for years to come," said Philadelphia University president Stephen Spinelli Jr.

Mr. Reichlin began his professional career working at his family's mill, Yorkshire Worsted in Lenni. After his marriage to Claire Honickman in 1949 he joined her father's company.

He enjoyed boating and fishing and spending time with his family in Longport, N.J.

When his children were young he learned to play the guitar and was a talented golfer and tennis player.

In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Reichlin is survived by a daughter, Judi Tuck; a brother; and four grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Levine & Sons, 4737 Street Rd., Trevose. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Philadelphia.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, 2100 Arch St., Philadelphia, 19103.