Passings: Michael Reis

Michael Reis, editor and associate publisher of Stone World, 43, on Feb. 7 during a vacation in Jamaica.

Born on Oct. 30, 1970, and raised in Little Falls, N.J., Reis graduated from Ridgefield Park High School in Ridgefield Park, N.J., in 1988, received a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1992 from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. He joined the staff of Stone World magazine in March 1993; he became editor in 1995 and associate publisher in 1997.

Through the years, Reis reported on the growing dimensional-stone industry, including regular reports from international events in Italy, Brazil, Germany and other areas, along with trade shows in North America. He helped found the magazine’s fabrication-workshop serie,s and served as moderator for innumerable panels of fabricators and other stone-industry professionals throughout the United States and Canada.

At the time of his death, Reis also served as editorial director for TILE Magazine; associate publisher and editorial director for Contemporary Stone & Tile Design; and co-editor of Building Stone Magazine.

Reis’ influence in the stone industry was far and wide throughout North America and the world, as noted by the many tributes offered here at the Stone Fabricators Alliance website.

“Michael will be deeply missed,” said Jim Hieb, Marble Institute of America executive vice president/CEO. “He did so much to advance the industry through his writings and relationships made over a 20+ year career in the stone industry.

“Michael had the uncanny ability of making you feel like a friend, even after just one meeting. His death is a true loss for the stone industry.”

“The entire stone industry was saddened this week by the passing of Michael Reis,” said Tony Malasani, MIA president. “Michael was an untiring advocate for all segments of our industry, from across the globe. He brought many of our associations together to work on projects that have benefited all of us.

“The benchmarking survey that was just completed was the largest most inclusive study of its kind for our industry. This is but one example of the hard work and collaboration that were a hallmark of Michael’s career.

“Michael’s energy and passion for stone went well beyond his job, he was truly a stone guy. We will not soon forget Michael’s easy smile or quick wit. He was a cornerstone of our industry and he will be greatly missed.”

Among the honors received by Reis for his work in the industry include the Premios Comarca del Marmol, XVII Edicion, in Spain in 2001, and the Mastro della Pietra (Stone Master) designation, a tradition from the Guild of Stone Art in Verona, Italy, in 2005.

Reis is survived by his spouse, Theresa; his parents, Robert and Regina Reis; and two brothers, Robert and David.

Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the Vorhees-Ingwersen Funeral Home at 59 Main St. in Ridgefield Park. A funeral mass will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 17 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at 114 Mount Vernon St. in Ridgefield Park.

Cards and messages of condolence can be sent to the family c/o Alex Bachrach, Stone World, 210 Route 4 East / Suite 203, Paramus NJ 07652. An online book of condolence is available at the Vorhees-Ingwersen Funeral Home website.