Obituary of Richard "Dick" Lawrence Reed

Richard “Dick” Reed was born on September 14, 1938 in Monroe.    He was the middle of three children born to the union of the late Russell and Thelma (Sype) Reed.   Dick attended Airport High School graduating in 1956.

He married the former Patricia Peters on November 17, 1956 and the couple celebrated in the birth of four children.   Dick was a hard worker and supported his family with employment as a Head Cashier and Supervisor for Seaway Foodtown.   His career spanned forty-five years before his retirement in 1999.   Dick and Patricia shared nearly forty wonderful years together until her passing in 1996.   On May 21, 1999, Dick, married Peggy (Rogers) Michalek.     

Dick was a loyal friend and a wonderful family man.   He was blessed with a happy disposition and his smile lit up any room.   Dick was a great story teller and cherished the time he spent with his loved ones.  

Dick was a devoted member of his community, as well.   A lifelong Newport resident he served in many areas of government for more than twenty years.   A proud member of the Democratic Party. He was a Berlin Township Trustee, Monroe County Commissioner and Chairman of the Board, later he would be the Berlin Township Constable and elected as the Supervisor.

He tirelessly gave back to his community as a firefighter for the Newport Fire Department for forty years, and a member of their Fireman’s Association.   In his free time he loved to collect trinkets including:  signs, coasters, coins, license plates, and hats.   He was also a history buff. 

Dick, age 79 of Newport passed away at 6:25pm on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at Elderly Solutions.   In addition to his parents and wife, his passing was preceded by a daughter and son-in-law: Terrie and Anthony Brow; a brother:  Robert; and a sister:  Linda Reynolds.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife:  Peggy of Newport; children: Anthony (Lori) Reed of Newport, Tammie (Gary) Fahnestock of Newport, Kelli Gearhart (William Baldwin) of Newport; step children: Stacy (Michael) Schlachter of Flushing and Cindy Michalek of Carleton; twelve grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 from 2:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.   Private burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials in his honor are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.   Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.