Richard Redner, who helped expand Redner's supermarket chain has died at the age of 73

Redner's Markets announced the passing of Richard E. “Dick” Redner.

He passed away on Thursday, April 25, according to Redner's Markets.

He was born on April 23, 1951, in Peekskill, New York, to the late Earl "The Chief" Redner and Mary Rednera and served as the chairman and past president of Redner's Markets. He was 73 years old.

He was with the company for 54 years and expanded from 10 stores to the current 44 supermarkets and 24 convenience stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. He was also the son of the company founder, Earl Redner.

Richard E. “Dick” Redner, former chairman and past president/CEO of Redner’s Markets passed away on April 25, 2024. (Courtesy of Redner’s Markets)

“This business has been in my father’s blood for over 50 years,” said son Ryan Redner, who succeeded his father as president and CEO in 2017. “Second only to his family, this company was his greatest sense of pride and love. My father was my idol and will be deeply missed by so many.

“The amount of outreach I have received has been humbling. His fingerprints are everywhere around this company and this community, and we will continue to move forward with the same drive and determination to carry his vision forward.”

Richard Redner, the second-generation owner of a supermarket, played a crucial role in its growth from a small, independent operator in the Reading area, to a regional chain with over 5,500 employees. He was also known as "The Boss" among his employees, who admired him for his work ethic and “just get it done” personality. Richard was always ready to take charge and get things done efficiently.

He's survived by his wife of 52 years, Elaine; children Stacy M. Hopp and her husband Jason, and Ryan S. Redner; six grandchildren: Taylor, Amber, Brendan Hopp; and Sidney, Brooke and Beckett Redner; and one sister, Chere Kelley. He was predeceased by his brother, Gary W. Redner.

Viewings will be held 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, and 8 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, at FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave., Reading.

Formal services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crime Alert of Berks County, 600 N. Park Road, Wyomissing, Pa. 19610.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, loved ones, and those who knew and worked with him over the years.