Retired Colonel Carl Frederick Reiber passed away on March 8, 2026, unexpectedly in his home.

Born in New Haven, CT, to the late Carl and Mamie Reiber he lived a full life dedicated to family. He attended Hamden High School (CT), earned his degree at Providence College, and an MBA at Syracuse University. He proudly served two combat tours in Vietnam for the US Army and built a respected career at Boeing.

More than just a career, Carl lived a life anchored in faith, serving as a dedicated member of Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Church and St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church. His passion in life was helping others, as demonstrated through his positions as the past Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Outer Banks, NC) and current Board of Directors member for Chapter 1030 of the Vietnam Veterans of America (Cumming, GA). Most weekends he could be found volunteering with the VFW or spending time in fellowship with them. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council 8759.

Carl was a Civil War history buff, had a train collection that could wow young and old, and loved to work in his shop and yard, He was proud of the fact that he kept abreast of all current events and delighted to engage in debate on any world topic. And if you debated with him you would need to come prepared!

He was predeceased by his first wife, Linda Katherine Reiber, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. They met at Hamden High School, married after Carl graduated from Providence College and shared a wonderful life together raising their three children. They loved spending summers in the Outer Banks where they eventually purchased a home and retired.

He later found companionship and love again, marrying Wilma Rae Hartke in September of 2018 who survives him. Together they were active in the church, enjoyed spending time with friends and could often be found having breakfast or lunch at The Station House or Cracker Barrel where they were adored by the staff.

Carl’s most favorite role in life was being a “Papa”. It is the only thing in his life that you would ever hear him brag about. He was so proud of all their accomplishments and loved any chance he had to visit or talk with them.

He is survived by his children Dr. Carl Leonard Reiber (Janet), Dale Lynn Martin (Jonathan), and Timothy James Reiber (Marie), grandchildren Dallas Marie Witherell (Tyler), Carlee Elizabeth Hanchak (JJ), Brandon James Reiber, Taylor Grace Martin, Dylan Elizabeth Martin, and Elijah Luke Martin, great grandchildren Emalynn Grace Hanchak, and Johnathon Everett Hanchak, sister Barbara M Reiber, sister in law Susan McDaniel and Wilma’s children, Don Hartke (Gina), Kathy Wolf (Tom), and their extended families, whom he felt honored to love and be love by.

Our family will receive visitors at Holy Redeemer by the Sea Catholic Church on Friday, March 13th from 10:00am - 11:00am. Mass will follow. A reception at the church will begin following the service. Burial will take place at Manteo Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

A memorial service will be held in Cumming, GA at Ingram Funeral Home on March 28th at 2:00 pm.

The family welcomes donations to the following organizations in Carl’s memory as an expression of sympathy:

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1030, PO Box 3088; Cumming, GA. 30028 

Checks made payable to VVA1030

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

VFW Post 10950

https://www.obxvfw.org/donate

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.