Obituary: Dr. Martin L. Reish
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Obituary: Dr. Martin L. Reish

Dr. Martin L. Reish, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

Dr. Martin L. Reish
Dr. Martin L. Reish

Dr. Martin L. Reish, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

He was born in the Bronx, N.Y., on March 27, 1934, and moved to Atlanta with his family in 1949. After graduating from Druid Hills High School, he attended Emory University, finishing in just three years, and then the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his M.D. in 1958, and one week after graduation, married Ralda Lefkoff, native of Atlanta.

Dr. Reish completed a medical residency in pediatrics at Grady Hospital, where he was appointed Chief Resident, and then went into private practice in Atlanta. Over the next five years, he and Ralda welcomed three sons. From 1966 to 1968, Dr. Reish served as a captain and doctor in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Belvoir, Va., after which, he returned to Atlanta. For more than three additional decades he served the children and families of Atlanta in his pediatric practice and was beloved for his care and gentle touch.

Martin served numerous cultural, educational, and religious organizations, including as a member of the Education Board of the Atlanta Jewish Federation, Board member and Vice President of Congregation Shearith Israel, and as a member of the Selection Committee for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. In his later years, he was a member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue and enjoyed regularly attending Shabbat services.

A lifelong sports fan, Martin grew up playing stickball in the streets of the Bronx, and avidly following the New York Yankees and the New York football Giants. In Atlanta, he played basketball at Druid Hills High School. He switched his allegiance to local professional teams as they launched, holding season tickets to the Falcons and Hawks, and regularly attending Braves games with his family. Martin was also an avid tennis player and loved to watch matches live and on television.

Martin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ralda Lefkoff Reish; son, Kenneth (Sherrie) Reish; son, Gregory (Abby) Reish; grandchildren, Ethan (McKenzie) Reish, Lucy Reish, Allison Reish, and Isabella Reish. Martin was predeceased by parents, Edward Reish and Theresa Abramsky Reish; and son, Joel Reish.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Atlanta Jewish Federation or Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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