Reiko Buchanan, 90, of Endicott, NY, passed away on July 16, 2025. She was born to Moriyoshi and Miné Ito on June 10, 1935, in Tokyo, Japan, and was cherished as their only daughter. She also had 3 adoring brothers. Her energy, spirit, and bright nature were forces that could not be ignored, and everyone that met her was drawn into her charm.

Reiko was a young child in Japan during World War II, and her family sustained the trauma of war and had to leave their home in Tokyo and move to the country to avoid the bombings. Her stories of what they endured during this time are heart wrenching. The weather was harsh, and food was scarce. The living environment was rough. Squash was plentiful and basically what they ate during this period. For the rest of her life, she did not have any interest in eating squash of any type.

As a young woman in Tokyo during the Korean War, Reiko worked in a camera shop on the army base. It was there where she met her husband, Bob, and fell in love. They were soon married and had a child. Not long after that, Bob brought her and the baby back to Elmira, NY, where she started a new life in a foreign country. This was a difficult transition, moving from a city the size of Tokyo to Elmira, NY. She left her Japanese family behind and adjusted to her new American family and surroundings. With her personality and talents, she rose to the challenge and began to shine as she was exploring new opportunities, learning her craft of interior design and decorating. Being an outgoing and friendly person, she easily attracted people and quickly made friends using her intelligent conversation and quick wit. She and Bob went on to have 4 more children, whom she loved dearly. Eventually the family moved to Endicott, NY, where they raised their children, and she lived there for most of the remainder of her life.

Reiko had a flair for fashion and style. She dressed impeccably, with matching heels. The scarf went with the outfit and jacket perfectly, and jewelry was a must. At an initial introduction, she was referred to as “the fanciest grandma I ever met” by her grandson’s girlfriend.

She was a successful businesswoman for much of her life, running her business, Alexander Home Fashions. As a seamstress, she had clients that returned to her time and time again for her advice, assistance, and design for their individual tastes and home design. Frequently, her clients would become great friends of hers.

She was a huge lover of music, especially jazz, and would regularly attend concerts and shows any chance she got. Opera was another regularly attended genre that she enjoyed immensely.

She was a masterful gardener and loved splashing her yard with a colorful array of flowers. She loved animals, especially dogs, and always had one at her side as her faithful friend.

Reiko was predeceased by her parents and 2 baby brothers, her grandson Jeremy Buchanan, her ex-husband Bob Buchanan, her longtime boyfriend Hank Gagliardi, and many, many dogs, whom she loved.

She is survived by her 5 children. Bob Buchanan (Maureen Leib), Dawn Buchanan, Dan Buchanan (Tammy), Leslie Kerrigan, and Chris Allis. She is also leaving behind 8 grandchildren and their spouses. Crystal, Iris and Shane Kerrigan, Jason, Kyle and Conner Buchanan, Leanna Underwood, and Alyssa Griswold. Additionally, 5 great-grandchildren. Madilyn Kerrigan, Olivia Underwood, Fiona and Otto Buchanan, and Gemma Griswold. She is also survived by her 3 brothers in Japan, Susumu, Makoto, and Tsutomu Ito, and their families. She leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Reiko will be missed beyond measure by her family and friends.

Thank you to the Willow Point Nursing Home nurses and staff for the care that they gave her for the last year and a half of her life, making her always feel comfortable and accepted.

The family will receive friends and family at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home at 765 Main Street, Vestal, NY, on Friday, July 25th, from 4 to 6. A funeral service will follow, officiated by Reverend Mouhannad Moses.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Broome County Humane Society or your local animal shelter.