Students returning to Oakley Deli this fall will miss the friendly greeting of owner Keith Reiter, who passed away in July at age 55.
Reiter was pronounced dead at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo after suffering a brain aneurism. His wife of nearly 35 years, Maryann “Rosie” Ruzicka of Hillsdale, and two daughters, Sarah Hommowun and Beth Reiter of Bloomington, Ill., and an adopted son, Don Sarubbi, of Aurora, Ill. survive, along with Reiter’s two sisters in Kentucky, a sister-in-law in Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.
Reiter was a partner at international accounting and consultation firm Ernst & Young before moving to Hillsdale. He held a CPA degree from the University of Illinois and was a member of the Kiwanis International. Reiter served in the Army during the Vietnam era and enjoyed astronomy and canoeing.
Among Hillsdale College students Reiter was known for his sense of humor and his eagerness to form relationships with students.
“He always wanted to build connections with students and the community,” senior Alex Harner, an employee at Oakley since January, said.
Harner said he was shocked and saddened to learn of Reiter’s death.
“He was very happy to talk to people about anything,” Harner said. “Sometimes he’d just leave the register, even with long lines, to show people things and answer their questions.”
Senior Rob Smith worked with Reiter and his wife, Rosie, at Oakley last semester.
“They complemented each other well,” Smith said.
Smith said Reiter was characterized by his sense of humor, passion for his work, and his personable nature.
“From the way he talked to the customers you’d think they were lifelong friends,” Smith said. “I think that was one of the reasons Oakley was so successful, because people came back for more than just the food. Keith enjoyed his work and it showed.