Steve Riech, a longtime player’s agent whose career spanned over three decades, passed away on June 15, 2025, at the age of 64.
Reportedly, Reich suffered a heart attack while golfing at South Hills Country Club on Sunday.
While Reich’s professional achievements as a sports agent and his impact on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ championship era are widely celebrated, his personal life was equally rich with the presence of his beloved wife.
His wife, Tanya Reich, is of Korean origin. Besides that, little to no information about her is currently available.
Likewise, although precise details surrounding Steve and Tanya’s relationship timeline remain unknown, she always had her back at all times.
One thing she loved the most was cooking for her family. She would effortlessly cook several dishes in no time.
Steve was always grateful to have her as his wife and the mother of his children. On Mother’s Day in 2020, he shared a post with a caption that reads:
Happy Mother’s Day ! Arlene , Jack and Estelle are lucky to have you as their mom.
Steve Reich
Tanya’s presence was also felt in Steve’s involvement with the Mario Lemieux Foundation, where he served on the board of directors.
Steve and Tanya shared three children: daughters Arlene and Estelle, and son Jack, who shared the same birthday with him.
Their daughter, Arlene, is married to Daniel, and Steve became a grandfather in 2023 with the arrival of his granddaughter, Sophia.
Steve took to his Facebook to share the news, writing
My granddaughter Sofia ! Arlene and Daniel’s beautiful daughter born this morning . Everybody doing well.
Steve Reich
Steve Reich is survived by his wife, Tanya; children, Arlene, Jack, and Estelle; son-in-law, Daniel; granddaughter, Sophia. Likewise, he also leaves behind his father, Sam; his stepmother, Estelle; his sister, Hillary; and his brother, Joe.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Rodef Shalom in Shadyside, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m.
Steve Reich Built a Distinguished Career as a Sports Agent Spanning Over 3 Decades!
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Pittsburgh’s Birdland neighborhood of Scott Township, Reich was a proud 1976 graduate of Chartiers Valley High School.
After earning his degree from Bucknell University and attending law school at the University of Pittsburgh, Reich embarked on a remarkable career as a sports agent starting in 1987.
His journey began alongside his uncle, Tom Reich, a prominent baseball agent representing stars like Sammy Sosa and Ken Griffey Jr. Together, they built RBRT Sports Group, where Steve served as president from 1993 to 2000.
Reich’s impact on hockey was significant; he represented some of the NHL’s most iconic figures, including Hall-of-Famers Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis, Chris Chelios, Luc Robitaille, and the legendary coach Scotty Bowman.
His client list also included stars like Scott Gomez, Daniel Briere, Tom Barrasso, Kevin Stevens, Brad Stuart, and, more recently, New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck, whose seven-year, $39.38 million contract signed in 2022 bore Reich’s name as the signing agent.
Beyond contract negotiations, Reich was a master of player marketing and endorsements, helping elevate the profiles of his clients.
His early work with Lemieux, one of hockey’s all-time greats, set the tone for his career.
Reich’s partnership with his uncle allowed them to divide responsibilities. Tom handled contracts while Steve focused on endorsements before Steve stepped into a broader role, managing some of the NHL’s biggest names.
He also played a pivotal role in mentoring a young Pat Brisson, now a powerhouse agent representing players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Former client Kevin Stevens described him as a “true-and-true Pittsburgh guy” who could secure the best seats for any event and fostered a sense of family among the Penguins’ early-1990s championship teams.
Reich’s contributions weren’t limited to player representation. He served on the board of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which raises funds for cancer research.
After stepping down from RBRT Sports Group in 2000 to support Lemieux’s NHL comeback, Reich founded Reich Publishing & Marketing in 2001 before joining O2K Sports Management, where he continued to shape the careers of athletes like Trocheck.
During this difficult time, we offer our sincere condolences to Reich’s wife, kids, father, friends, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Steve Reich!
