John Reck

Was head chef at George Washington Hotel for 45 years. John Reck, 95, of Washington, died at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, February 19, 2006, in Washington County Health Center. He had been ill since October 2005. He was born December 6, 1910, in Genoa, Italy, a son of Amadeo and Margaret Rech Rech. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. In his early years, beginning at age 16, he worked at Arden Mines. He had been employed for 45 years at the George Washington Hotel as head chef and also at Holiday Inn and Red Bull Inn. He was a member of Royal Order of Moose Lodge 22 and the Pittsburgh Hotel Association. He was united in marriage to Mabel Ashmore, who died December 7, 2003. Surviving are three sons, John A. Reck and wife Joanne, David Reck and wife Beverly, Robert Reck and wife Sandy, all of Washington; a daughter, Margaret and husband Richard White of Hickory; a brother, Louis and wife Blanche Reck of Meadow Lands; and a step-brother, John Herman and wife Dianne Skariot of Gilroy, Calif.; eight grandchildren, Eric White and Lisa White Wasel, Jennifer Balieu, Mark, Heather, and Craig Reck, Patrick and Jeremy Reck; and three great-grandchildren, Derek, Owen and Daniella. Deceased is a grandson, Brian White, and a brother, Tillio Reck. At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to John F. Kennedy School or the charity of donor's choice. Arrangements by William G. Neal Funeral Home, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.