Steve Reich, a respected figure in the world of professional hockey and a longtime agent for Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux, passed away suddenly on Sunday at the age of 64.
Reich died of a heart attack while playing golf with friends at South Hills Country Club, a setting that reflected his love of camaraderie and the outdoors. Born in Washington, D.C., Steve was raised in the Birdland neighborhood of Scott Township, a community he carried with him throughout his life.
He graduated from Chartiers Valley High School in 1976 and went on to attend Bucknell University. After earning his undergraduate degree, he pursued a law degree at the University of Pittsburgh, laying the foundation for what would become a distinguished career in sports representation and marketing.
Steve began his work as a sports agent in 1987, launching a path that would soon align him with some of the biggest names in professional hockey. By the early 1990s, he had built a reputation for integrity, strategic savvy, and unwavering dedication to his clients.
From 1993 to 2000, he served as president of RBRT Sports Group, during which time he, alongside his uncle Tom Reich, represented an elite roster of NHL talent including Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis, Tom Barrasso, Kevin Stevens, and legendary coach Scotty Bowman.
Steve’s connection with Mario Lemieux was particularly significant—not just as a client-agent relationship, but as a longstanding friendship rooted in mutual trust and respect.
His involvement extended beyond contract negotiations; he was a key advisor and supporter through pivotal moments in Lemieux’s career and life. In recognition of that enduring relationship, Steve later served on the board of directors of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, continuing his commitment to giving back and supporting causes related to cancer research and patient care.
After leaving RBRT Sports Group, Steve founded Reich Publishing & Marketing in 2001, diversifying his career and demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. He remained active in the sports management field through his work with 02K Sports Management and continued to be a mentor and consultant to rising athletes and professionals across disciplines.
Though he was a serious professional, Steve Reich was also known for his warm personality, keen sense of humor, and unshakable loyalty to his friends and family.
He was the kind of person who remembered birthdays, checked in regularly, and always made time for a round of golf or a game-day phone call. His sudden passing has left his family, friends, and the broader sports community in deep mourning.
Those who knew Steve best recall his ability to stay grounded in an industry known for its high stakes and egos. “Steve never forgot where he came from,” said one close friend. “He had a big job and big clients, but he treated everyone with kindness and sincerity. That’s what really made him special.”
Steve Reich is survived by his family, many of whom remained in the Pittsburgh area, and by countless friends and colleagues across the sports and business worlds. In the coming days, memorial plans are expected to be announced, with tributes already pouring in from former clients, fellow agents, and members of the NHL community.
His legacy is not only etched in the careers he helped build but also in the trust he earned, the relationships he nurtured, and the generosity he showed throughout his life. Steve Reich leaves behind a story of professional excellence and personal warmth—qualities that will be deeply missed and long remembered.
