Pfc. Edward J. Reiter

Pfc. Edward J. Reiter, of Northampton, passed away on July 7,

1950, at the age of 17, courageously fighting for our country during the Korean War. Born on October 15, 1932, he was a son of the late Frank and Theresa Reiter. Edward was 17 years old when he enlisted in the Army. He went to basic training in Fort Knox, KY, returned home in the spring of 1950, then was deployed to serve in the war. Edward was a member of K Company, 3rd Battalion,

34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division when he arrived in Korea on July 2, 1950; and was among the first U.S. ground troops to be

deployed. When his unit retreated, Edward was not with them, and was not reported as a POW. In recent years, family members who were missing loved ones during the war were asked to provide DNA samples to help claim recovered soldiers, which ultimately helped to identify Edward's remains. Survivors: sisters,

Rose Ann Prickler and Helen Templeton; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings, Frank,

Theresa, Julie, Joseph, and Anna. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 22nd at 10:30 a.m. in Queenship of Mary Catholic Church, 1324 Newport Ave., Northampton. The Mass will also be livestreamed on the church's YouTube page. Interment with full military honors will follow in Our Lady of Hungary Cemetery, Northampton. Family will receive those who would like to pay respects to Pfc. Reiter on Friday, October 21st from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Reichel Funeral Home, 326 E. 21st St., Northampton. Online condolences may be offered at www.reichelfuneralhome.com. Contributions: memorials may be made to a veteran charity of one's choice in

loving memory of Edward.