Leon and Cecylia Reich
Wilhelm Reich’s parents Leon and Cecylia were married by Rabbi Schmelkes in 1895 in Lemberg (today: Lviv, Ukraine), 2 years before Wilhelm Reich was born.
Wilhelm Reich's father Leon Reich
Wilhelm Reich's mother Cecilia Roniger-Reich, 1908
Leon Reich was born in 1868 in the village of Butsniv, near Ternopil (Ukraine). He died of tuberculosis in 1915. According to Wilhelm Reich’s autobiographical notes (“The passion of Youth”), he was buried in Vienna.
As part of this research project, I was able to track down the grave of Leon Reich at Vienna Central Cemetery in 2017.
Cecylia Reich was born in Brody in 1875 and tragically died of self-inflicted Lysol poisoning in 1910.
As part of this research project, I was able to track down the grave of Cecylia Reich at the Cemetery of Czernowitz (Zelena Street) in 2018.
Headstone of Leon Reich at Vienna Central Cemetery. Inscription: “Hier ruht Leon Reich, gestorben: 3. Mai 1914 im 46. Lebensjahre. Friede seiner Asche.” [Here lies Leon Reich, deceased: May 3, 1914 in his 46th year of life. Peace to his ashes!”, photo: Stefan Hampl
Headstone of Cecylie Reich at Czernowitz Jewish Cemetery. Inscription: “Hier ruht Cäcylie Reich, geboren am 27. September 1875, gestorben am 1. Oktober 1910. Friede ihrer Asche!” [“Here lies Cecylie Reich, born on September, 27 1875, deceased on October 1, 1910. Peace to her ashes!”], photo: jewishgen.org