Roll Call Tribute

Harold Albert Reich, Lt.Col. USAF (Ret) 

April 26, 1922 - June 1, 2024 

Harold “Soupy” Reich, Lt. Col. (Retired USAF) passed away peacefully in his home on June 1, 2024 at 102 years of age. To say that Soupy lived a full life, would be an understatement. Soupy was born on April 26, 1922 in San Antonio, Texas to Joseph Herman and Clara Shifrin Reich. Soupy married the love of his life, Clara Ribak in 1947 with whom he spent 69 beautiful years, and his wedding ring never left his finger. Together, Soupy and Clara raised three wonderful children, traveled the world, and lived a joyful life.

Soupy led a distinguished life of service and dedication. A proud member of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets, Class of ‘45, Soupy went on to serve 27 years in the Army and Air Force. He was inducted into the Army Infantry Reserves in 1943, and he served valiantly during World War II, participating in the Battle of the Bulge, delivering gasoline to General Patton’s troops, and attending Officer Candidate School in Fontainebleau, France. After the Army, he served in the Air Force as Chief of Supply, where he helped protect our country during the Cuban missile crisis.

Soupy was a real athlete, enjoying tennis from the age of 13, becoming a champion tennis player on the Air Force tennis team, and he continued to play tennis through most of his life, playing his last match at the age of 93. Soupy’s military career kept him and his family on the move, from Houston to Bermuda to El Paso to Austin to Tokyo and to Ohio, and he retired in San Antonio as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1969. Post-retirement, Soupy ventured into real estate, establishing Reich Realtors and forging lasting friendships through his business. He retired his license at 92 to spend more time with his family and friends.

Soupy was an active member of the San Antonio Aggie Club, attending weekly Monday meetings, where he enjoyed hearing speakers and lunch with his fellow Aggies. Each Thursday at lunch was spent with his ROMEO group, (retired old men eating out). This group was started by his good friend Eddie Shapiro many years ago and always welcomed new friends to the group. Soupy could never pass up a piece of chocolate or gum, which he attributed to his long, amazing life. He was often seen carrying his own bag of “Soupy’s Sweets” which he shared with everyone.

Soupy and his beloved late wife Clara were married at Agudas Achim Synagogue, and they were life-long members there. He became a Mason in 1958 and was a member of the Triune Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M. Soupy’s true joy was any occasion to bring his family and friends together. His life was marked by service and selflessness, both to his country and his community, leaving a legacy of honor, while always putting others first.

Brackenridge Park was a special place for Soupy. He started working at the drink stand at age seven, and he went on to other roles there throughout his childhood. Soupy learned to swim at Brackenridge, and when was 10, he passed the American Red Cross Life Saving Service Examination. He was recognized in the San Antonio Express in 1932 as the youngest person to ever take and pass the course, which was normally not given to people until age twelve. Soupy continued to enjoy Brackenridge Park throughout his life, often visiting and recalling many memories including how he helped Mr. Herman run the donkey barn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved son, Allen, siblings, Aaron Reich, Mendel and Anita Reich, and Evelyn (Reich) and Syd Spencer, and brother-in-law Abe Ribak. Soupy is survived by his children, Norine (Reich) and Howard Yukon, Helene (Reich) and Harry Abrams, and Jennifer (Chen) Reich, his grandchildren, Ryan Abrams, Gabriel Yukon, Molly (Abrams) and Marcus Moss, Joseph Reich, Abby Reich, great-grandson Buddy Aaron Moss, sister-in-law Myra Ribak, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends of all ages.

Soupy was an exceptional person who lived an extraordinary life. We’ll forever miss him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Agudas Achim or to the LTC Harold A. “Soupy” Reich ’45 Endowed Veteran Aggie Ring Scholarship at The Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University by visiting tx.ag/SoupyReich 

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2024 10:00 AM AGUDAS ACHIM MEMORIAL GARDENS