Stanley “Stan” Reis
August 16, 1938 – September 10, 2025
Stanley “Stan” Reis, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and lifelong learner, passed away on September 10, 2025, at the age of 87. Born in Brooklyn, New York to Samuel and Clara Reis, Stan’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to family, education, and community.
Family was the heart of Stan’s life. When Stan’s father died during his senior year of high school, he stepped up to take care of his mother when he was just 16—a testament to his quiet strength, resilience, and deep sense of responsibility. The beloved and devoted husband of Marcia, his wife of 65 years and a fellow educator, Stan was a proud father to Amy (Michael) and Steven (Evelyn), brother to Faye (Arnold), and a treasured grandfather to Craig, Scott, Jane, Jon (Aditi), and David. As Grandpa, Stan was always there for his grandchildren, attending their sporting events and rock performances as their number 1 fan. A kid at heart, he played ball, trains, and dolls with them when they were young, and gave them invaluable life advice when they were older.
Stan’s love of learning began early. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Brooklyn College, he began his career as a passionate social studies teacher in New York City’s public schools. There he built deep connections with students in some of the city’s most challenging neighborhoods. He later became an Assistant Principal and worked tirelessly to create a safe and supportive environment for children, many of whom faced poverty and violence. Stan spearheaded after-school activities and led a summer recreation program which gave generations of children opportunities to grow and thrive beyond the classroom. Stan was also a staunch advocate for teachers’ rights and served as a teachers’ union representative early in his career, standing firmly for fairness and respect.
In retirement, Stan carried forward his curiosity, zest for life, and love for people. In 2001, Stan and Marcia moved from their lifelong home in New York City to New Jersey to be closer to family. He jumped into community activities at Village Grande and more recently Stonebridge. He enjoyed playing bocce, cornhole, and shuffleboard, even leading a shuffleboard league where he was a league champion. He enjoyed taking classes at a local community college with friends, often followed by lunch, and later during the pandemic he learned how to use Zoom to stay connected to learning and people.
Stan will be remembered as a man who lived life with integrity, zeal, determination, and unconditional love for his family. As a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and friend, he was a role model for how to live life to the fullest. His legacy will continue as a blessing and guiding light in the lives of all of those he loved and who loved him.
Funeral services are Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Congregation Beth Chaim, 329 Village Road E, West Windsor, New Jersey. Burial will follow in Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Glendale, NY. Memorial contributions are respectfully requested to the Princeton Child Development Institute (www.pcdi.org).
Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/Stanley-Reis