WESTFIELD – Reign George Rix (“Spike”), 90, (1932-2023) passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2023 at the Veteran’s Home in Holyoke MA, surrounded by his 
family. He was born in 1932, in Westfield MA, to the late Reign D. Rix and Mary E. (Dill) Rix. Reign graduated from Westfield High School. He received his B.A. at the University of Massachusetts. He earned a Master’s and CAGS at Westfield State College. Reign was a Korean War veteran, serving in the US Navy from 1950 to 1953. After his service, he worked at Rix Milk Company. In 1965 he began a career at Westfield High School, first as an English teacher and then Assistant Principal. He later became Principal at Westfield Middle School. Reign’s dedication to education extended beyond the classroom. He coached the WHS track team and established and coached the Cross Country Team, leaving a lasting impact on the students he mentored. After retiring from education, Reign became a certified Financial Advisor and owner of Money Concepts Financial Services in Westfield MA. He also served as Treasurer for the Westfield Citizen Scholarship Foundation. Reign was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield. His faith was an integral part of his life, providing him with strength and guidance. Reign’s “favorite place on earth” was his beach cottage in Ocean Park Maine, where he loved gathering with family and friends. Reign was a joke teller extraordinaire, keeping his wit and humor until his last days. “Papa” adored his thirteen grandchildren and delighted in watching them grow. Reign was a member of Westfield Legion Post 124, Elks, and Sons of Erin, actively participating in community organizations.
Reign George Rix leaves behind a loving family, including his beloved wife of 67 years, Patricia A. (Vedovelli) Rix, his son Ronald R. Rix (Renee), his daughter Deborah R. Maloney (William), his daughter Mary T. Huth (Brian), his son Anthony G. Rix, his sister Regina Jensen (Gene) of Livingston TX, his sister Ellen Roberts of Azusa CA, his sister Sara Rix of Washington DC, his brother Richard Rix (Kathy) of Calabash NC, thirteen beloved grandchildren and three great-grandchildren as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
Reign lived a life of gratitude and optimism. He had a knack for bringing joy and laughter to those around him. He adored his care team at the Veteran’s Home, and they returned that adoration a hundred-fold. Reign’s family will be forever grateful for the skilled and compassionate care he received while there.
A funeral service will be held on August 23rd, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield MA, at 11:30 a.m. Following the service, Reign will be laid to rest at the Veterans Cemetery in Agawam MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Reign’s memory may be made to the CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 382, Westfield, MA 01086. csfwestfield.dollarsforscholars.org
