Linden supporter Reiner dies at 74

Walt Reiner lived in Delaware County along the Hoover Reservoir, but a big part of his heart remained in the Linden area, where he grew up. Reiner was a longtime member of the North Linden Area Commission, and he constantly worked to help revive the neighborhood.

“He didn’t live in Linden, but he was very much a part of Linden,” said John Lathram, a North Linden area commissioner. “He wanted to see Linden succeed. He was concerned about kids in the neighborhood.”

Reiner died of a heart attack on Sunday. his son said. He was 74.

Reiner was the longtime owner of Reiner Realty and Consultants on the Northeast Side. He also was a history buff.

In 1978, he and his wife, Lois, bought the Deardurff House, a log cabin built in 1807 on what is now South Gift Street in Franklinton that might have been used as a post office and trading post. They have been trying to restore it since; it is thought to be the oldest home in Franklin County on its original site.

“He was interested in history, architecture, (and had) a compelling need to preserve it,” said Terry Sanese, an office manager at Reiner’s Westerville Road realty office, itself an historic log cabin.

“He really valued historical things that could not only inform but inspire people,” said his son, Adam Reiner, 37, who lives in New York City. Kwodwo Ababio, who owns the New Harvest Cafe, said Reiner had a love for veterans. Reiner served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of the Ohio Military Hall of Fame.

“He had a respect for everybody, and everybody had respect for Walt,” Ababio said.

Lathram said Reiner was really concerned about how Linden was portrayed.

“The media will portray Linden in a bad light. He spoke positively about residents making a difference,” he said. Reiner

Reiner is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lois; children Adam, Bethany and Alex and their spouses; his grandson Hank; his brothers Karl, Paul and John and their spouses; and nieces, nephews and friends.

Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 E. Broad St., where a funeral service with military honors will begin at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Aquinas Scholarship Fund, c/o Gary Mangini, 2009 Hayer Ct., Lewis Center, OH 43035, or the Ohio Military Hall of Fame, c/o James Garvey, 4840 Patricia Lane, Westerville, OH 43082.