Michael B. Reichling

August 19, 1936 - January 15, 2021

In January of this year, Michael Bernard Reichling heeded the call of an angel’s aria and departed our world to view the final act from his eternal SRO spot. Michael’s friends and colleagues knew of his all-consuming passion for opera and film, but most were not aware that this extraordinarily modest and considerate gentleman previously worked for the FBI, learned to speak Mandarin Chinese, became an expert marksman, and conducted intelligence-gathering for the U.S. military.

Born in San Francisco on August 19, 1936, Michael was the eldest son of Bernard “Barney” and Mary Reichling. Michael grew up in The Marina and maintained a residence there his entire life. He attended St. Brigid’s, St. Ignatius, USF, and the Defense Language Institute of Monterey. Following his military service, Michael worked for several Bay Area companies before embarking on a 28-year career with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

“Uncle Mike” was not only the keeper of our family history, he also loved sharing his wondrous memory of stories about landmarks, events and colorful characters related to The City. His towering, witty and gracious presence is greatly missed by friends and family. He is survived by his nephews Daniel (Leslie) and Michael (Edita); his nieces Colleen and Kate (George); grand-nephews Stephen, Matthew and Luis; grand-niece Summer; and sister-in-law Ladawn. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; partners Gus and Michael; brother Thomas; cousins Gloria and Dorothy Dati; and grandniece Carolyn. Friends are welcome to attend the interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma at 11 a.m., on August 6, 2021. A celebration-of-life reception will follow in the Presidio. Please contact reichlingmemorial@gmail.com before July 25 for information.