Manfred Fritz Reichardt, age 83 years, of the Croton section of Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, NJ, died on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at his home.

Born in Bremerhaven, Germany, October 27, 1934, he emigrated to the United States in 1960 where he worked as a baker for the Gaston Avenue Bakery, Somerville, NJ. He would later buy a farm in Croton and spend the rest of his life between there and Matlacha, FL.

Growing up in the fishing community of Bremerhaven, Manfred joined the Merchant Marines at an early age where he earned the title of, “Master Baker.” After working for several years in New Jersey, he opened the Bridgewater Pastry Shop, Inc., which he operated for several years. He then went on to open the Ranch II Diner in North Branch, NJ as well as the Snook Harbour Inn Restaurant in Matlacha, FL.

Manfred was well known for his baked goods, particularly his cheesecakes, as well as being a man of honesty and integrity.

He enjoyed skiing, and was a member of the Enzion Ski Club. Manfred’s love of snow was no match for his love of the water, and he owned two boats over the years, the “Hein Muck,” a cabin cruiser, and the “Suzie-Bea,” a 75′ sailboat.

Proud of his German heritage, he was a longtime and dedicated member of the German American Social Club of Cape Coral.

Manfred would want to be remembered for being a true free spirit and for always living each moment of his life to its fullest. Those who knew him will always remember him each time a sailboat passes by, or they eat a pastry, a good pastry, but not as good as Manfred’s. He leaves a legacy that will certainly endure, especially through his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hildegard Graper; a brother, Horst; and a nephew, Brian.

Surviving are his two daughters, Sabina Bridgette Reichardt and Suzanne Karin Skowronek; his grandchildren, Willy, Nadine, Bridgette, Drew, Brittany, Stefanie, Vincent and Antoinette; his companion of over twenty years, Renate Hollingsworth; a niece, Heidi Pote; a nephew, Fred Reichardt; his former wife, Karin Sigle; and many dear friends

Life celebration services and cremation arrangements are private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Please visit Manfred’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the German American Social Club of Cape Coral, 2101 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL 33991.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”