John Fredrick Reinhart, 72, of Virginia Beach, passed away on Saturday April 11, 2026, in his family home surrounded by loved ones after battling cancer for the past 3 years. John was born on August 11, 1953 in Columbus, OH to Dolores Margorie “Marge” and Robert Reinhart. John was known professionally as a national leader in the Maritime Industry. He relocated his family from Ohio to New Jersey in 1991 to join Maersk, working in human resources. He and his family moved to Virginia Beach 2001, and he served as President of Maersk Line Ltd from 2004 – 2014. In 2014 he joined the Virginia Port Authority, and served as its CEO and Executive Director for over six years, helping to advance the productivity, safety, and economic impact of the ports for the Commonwealth of Virginia. John also served on various advisory boards within the Maritime Industry throughout his career and retirement.
John was known to family and friends as a generous man who loved fiercely and brought out the best in everyone he met. John is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of 53 years. They have two surviving children, Jennifer Paparsenos and Samuel Reinhart, as well as four grandchildren (with a fifth on the way). He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Jacob Reinhart. John was blessed in life to have a large extended family and network of lifelong friends.
John accomplished more in his lifetime than can be adequately expressed here, but the two things he was most proud of were his impact on the local, state and business community in Virginia and his dedication to his beloved family. A celebration of John’s life and career will be held at Nauticus 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA, on Monday April 20, 2026 from 2 – 5pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.