Dr. Ernest Reigh

Dr. Ernest E. (Ernie) Reigh, 89, of Mohnton, PA died peacefully at his home on October 1, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on September 15, 1928 to Charles and Mae Reigh in a small rural town, Ganister, PA. Raised on a farm during hard times, he learned the value of hard work and discipline. His love of the outdoors led him to join the Boy Scouts where he went on to become an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the William T. Hornaday Award for conservation. Following graduation from high school, he attended The College of St. Francis in PA (currently known as St. Francis University) on a four year academic scholarship where he earned his B.S. in pre-medicine.
Ernie continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and received his M.D.. While in medical school he was given a grant from the Polio Foundation to do research with Dr. Jonas Salk who developed the Polio vaccination. He was one of the first volunteer test subjects for this vaccine. Later, he humbly refused an interview with Time Magazine after performing the first in vitro fertilization in hamsters at the University of Pennsylvania.
He chose clinical medicine over research proceeding with a five year neurosurgery residency under Dr. Rowe at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. Then he served in the military for two years as Chief of Neurosurgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. He came to Reading, PA in the 50's and partnered with Dr. Herbert Johnson forming the Johnson/Reigh Neurosurgery Clinic. He worked out of Reading Hospital, St. Josephs, Community General, Lebanon VA, and Lancaster Hospitals. Ernie retired in 1991 to enjoy his family, traveling, fly fishing, and archery hunting. He was a longtime member of the Forest Lake Club and Exeter Bible Fellowship Church.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Louise; his son, Dr. Douglas Reigh and wife Carol (Ranck) Reigh; daughter, Sandra Connelli and husband Lawrence and their two children Emily and Kyle, who were the light of his life. This gentleman of integrity, selflessness, compassion and patience blessed many lives with his healing hands and kindness.
The funeral service will be private, as per his request.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Exeter Bible Fellowship Church (designated for missions), 926 Philadelphia Terrace, Birdsboro, PA 19508; or the Boy Scouts of America, www.bsafoundation.org