Arthur "Art" Leroy Reif, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away on May 27, 2026, at the age of 87, in the comfort of his home after a brief illness. Born on November 30, 1938, in Oakland, California, Art was the cherished son of Leroy and Violet Reif, whose support set the foundation for a life filled with love, music, and devotion to family and faith. Art leaves behind his adoring wife of 63 years, Verlene Reif, with whom he built a nurturing and God-fearing home in the heart of Manteca, California. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Penelope (Oscar) Soltero, Douglas (Claudia) Reif, and Kandace (Barry) Sappington. Art's legacy continues through his seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish his memory and the countless stories he shared.
A graduate of Manteca High School in 1956, Art proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960. His passion for music led him to earn a Bachelor's Degree from the MacPhail College of Music in 1964 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and later, a Master's Degree in Administration from the University of La Verne. Art dedicated 35 years of his life to inspiring young minds through music education, beginning his teaching career in Wisconsin before returning to Manteca. His influence resonated across multiple schools until his retirement in 1999. Art was not only a gifted educator but also a beacon of encouragement within the community. As the choir and orchestra director for First Assembly of God in Manteca, and orchestra director at Big Valley in Modesto, he invited countless individuals to experience the joy of music, fostering a sense of community through the choir, orchestra, small groups, and sound. He was also involved in Christian Business Men's Association as well as Manteca's Men's Prayer Breakfasts for many years.
Art's passions extended beyond the classroom and church. He had a keen eye for photography, spending countless hours creating beautiful photo albums that captured life's most precious moments. An avid Lego builder, he found joy in constructing intricate designs, and his garden train system was a testament to his creativity and attention to detail. Art's woodworking projects were crafted with love, and he delighted in bringing Verlene yellow flowers, a simple yet profound gesture of his enduring love. Art possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people through storytelling. He found great joy in sharing tales from his past and was equally fond of hearing others recount their own. His love for Christmas and the dazzling lights that accompanied the season was infectious; he often envisioned his backyard illuminated as brightly as Disneyland, a reflection of his zest for life and celebration. Art and Verlene enjoyed road trips together as their life was an endless highway of shared adventures and unforgettable journeys.
Art is also survived by his brothers, Chuck Reif and Stanley Reif, who, along with the rest of his family, hold dear the memories of a man whose kindness and warmth touched everyone he met. A celebration of Art's life will be held on June 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, located at 290 N Union Rd., Manteca, CA 95337. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well-lived, as they honor the legacy of a man who will be "Forever in our hearts." Live feed will be available by
