Richard E. “Dick” Redner, 73, chairman and past president of Redner’s Markets, died Thursday in Reading, the company announced Friday.
He was the son of company founder Earl Redner, beginning his career in the food industry in 1970 at the newly founded Redner’s Markets.
He was with the company for 54 years and oversaw the Berks County-based company’s expansion from 10 stores to the current 44 supermarkets and 24 convenience stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. There are eight Redner’s locations in the Lehigh Valley.
“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 was the second generation owner of the supermarket and guided its growth from a small, independent operator in the Reading area into a regional chain with more than 5,500 employees who knew him as simply “The Boss.” He was known for his work ethic and “just get it done” personality.
A crowning achievement of his tenure came in 2022 when the company eclipsed $1 billion in annual sales.
Redner was born on April 23, 1951, in Peekskill, New York to the late Earl “The Chief” Redner and Mary Redner. He is 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.