Judge Claude Trexler Reno was born in Lyons, Berks County, on April 4, 1882. He attended Allentown High School and Muhlenberg College, then graduated from Dickinson School of Law with highest honors. Additionally, Judge Reno received honorary degrees from both Muhlenberg and Moravian Colleges.
Judge Reno joined the Lehigh County bar in 1904, then served as solicitor of Lehigh County from 1908 to 1912. During that same period, he spent two years as a member of the state legislature. In November 1921, Judge Reno was appointed to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. He later became President Judge of the court. Judge Reno resigned from the trial court at the end of his term.
In January 1939, Judge Reno was appointed Attorney General of Pennsylvania. He served in this capacity until his appointment to the Superior Court in 1942. Judge Reno remained on the court until 1953. He passed away at the age of 79 on June 11, 1961.