Jesse "Jack" Reese

Jesse A. “Jack” Reese, 95, of Dover died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 in his home following a brief illness.

Born May 25, 1925 in Homeworth, Ohio, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Sylvia (Emmons) Reese. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Connie (Zifer) Reese who died Oct. 27, 2016, a daughter, Kim Homman, a grandson, Billy Homman, a sister, Frances Hawkins and a brother, Daniel Reese.

Jack was a schoolteacher, athletic trainer, and coach having retired from Dover High School. He previously taught and coached at Tusky Valley, and Dundee. He and his wife Connie also owned and operated the former Bassetti’s Restaurant in New Philadelphia and Zifaro’s Pizza in Uhrichsville.

He was a well known area World War II U.S. Army Air Corp veteran having received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic actions at a special ceremony in 2015. 70 years after his service to his country and was recognized and honored at a service in the Ohio Capitol in Columbus that same year. He also received the French Legion of Honour (highest French order of merit). He was a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber nicknamed “Ole Skatterflak” and flew 35 missions during the war having served in the 337th Bombardment group in Hamburg, Germany. He completed his high school education following his service to his country and later graduated from Mt. Union College. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover, New Philadelphia VFW, Knights of Columbus, and served as Commander of the Dover American Legion. He will be remembered for his many years of laying the wreath at Memorial Day services in Maple Grove Cemetery at Dover.

He will be sadly missed by his family including his two sons, John and Gary Reese both of Dover along with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

At his request, cremation will take place and a memorial mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 beginning at 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover where military honors will be conducted by the New Philadelphia VFW. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10-11am. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Jack can sign the online guestbook by visiting the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com
The mass will be livestreamed on both Facebook and YouTube

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dover American Legion, 405 W. 15th St., Dover, Ohio 44622 to be used for future projects.