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Michael Dennis Reighard, "Pappy Mike," 73, Hollidaysburg, passed away Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late James and Virginia (Conrad) Reighard. On May 18, 2001, he married Susan K. Diehl in Altoona.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Susan, of Hollidaysburg; his brother, William (April) Reighard; a sister-in-law, Judy Reighard; sons: Jason (Tammy) Reighard, Shane (Janna) Reighard, Adam Bush and Ryan Bush; grandchildren: Samantha Reighard, Sabrina Reighard, Adler Reighard, Stella Reighard, Lila Reighard, Noah Bush, Addie Tononi, Isabella Bush and Camden Bush; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Jane Reighard and LaVerne (Gene) Siters; and his brother, James Reighard.
Michael was a 1971 graduate of Altoona Area High School. He was a 1976 graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served aboard the aircraft carrier USS America (CVA-66). He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was the Blair County District Court Administrator for 35 years. He was the Acting Adult Probation Director and a PIAA official for both basketball and football. Michael was a well-known local football referee who also spent many summers officiating basketball games at Mansion Park and other local basketball leagues.
He enjoyed listening to Bob Dylan, reading and watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching them thrive in all their activities and sports.
Friends will be received from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sweat for Vets, Inc., P.O. Box 1403, Altoona, PA 16603; or the Blair Regional YMCA, 1111 Hewitt St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.