Ernest Reis passed away on September 8, 2016 at St. Peter's Community Hospice after a long battle with cancer.  He was born November 17, 1944 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to Nora and Ernest Reis (deceased).  Shortly thereafter he and his family relocated to Ossining, NY where he lived until moving to Chatham in 1976.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Beatrice Reis, his daughters Erin Costa, grandchildren Travis and Ariana Costa, Lindsey Casanova (Aaron), grandchild Nora Casanova, a sister Barbara Campisi, and his mother Nora Reis both of Ossining, NY.

In the 1960's he served in the Air Force as a weatherman and spent some time in Turkey.  After his discharge in Massachusetts he attended and graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Masters in Education.  At the University of Massachusetts he became involved with reform groups to change the way juvenile delinquents were treated which included several programs that gained national recognition.

In the 70's several of the leadership from U Mass. Came to NY and Ernie followed subsequently working for the NYS Division for Youth.  After that he worked for over 10 years with Employment and training Programs in Columbia/Greene, and Orange counties. In the 90's Ernie became a full time substitute teacher followed by working as a GED Prep teacher for RCG BOCES at the Columbia County Jail.  He retired from there in 2006 but continued to substitute teach for Chatham, Ichabod Crane, and Taconic Hills schools.  He also became involved in Democratic politics and found himself as Town Chair which he continued to be involved in until the present.  He was an avid supporter of the  arts and very involved in the community of Chatham where he had lived for 40 years . A  memorial service will be held Monday 11 am from the Wenk Funeral Home  Chatham. Calling hours will be Sunday 5 – 7pm

.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Chatham Democrats, PO Box 138, Chatham, NY 12037; the Crellin Park Recreation Program or the Community Garden, Attn. Town Clerk, Town of Chatham, 488 State Route 295, Chatham, NY 12037, or a charity of your choice.  For on-line condolence visit wenkfuneralhome.com