Richard L. "Rick" Reed, Sr.

Mr. Richard L. “Rick” Reed, Sr., age 59, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 2, 2007, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Born in Rome, NY on January 14, 1948, Rick was the son of the late Menzo and Cora (Compo) Reed. Raised and educated in Rome, he was a 1966 graduate of RFA. A veteran of the US Army, Rick was stationed in Germany and was a member of the 331st General Hospital Unit of the Elihu Root Army Reserve Center. In 1970, it was “love at first sight” for Rick and the former Barbara Basile, and on August 29, 1972 they entered into a beautiful union, blessed with unconditional love and friendship. At one time, Rick was employed at the Revere Copper & Brass, Inc. Currently, he worked at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center as a dedicated operating room technician where he especially enjoyed working with his friends in the OR and X-Ray Departments. A man with an exemplary work ethic, Rick also served as a unit administrator for the 331st of the Elihu Root Army Reserve Center. Rick was a tolerant and gentle man with strength of character and a willingness to help whenever it was needed. He never said ‘no’. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and as a father and husband he was constant in his support and care. He would sacrifice anything to help his children. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he supported them by attending their football games and other events. He looked forward to his annual trips to Pennsylvania, and an occasional stop at the Casino with his wife, Barbara, and he always enjoyed a game of golf as well as having lunch with his son. He always looked forward to having late night talks and watching his favorite shows with his daughter. He felt that ‘money is not worth anything if you don’t have your health’. Rick is survived by the love of his life, his wife Barbara; his beloved children, Richard “Ricky” Jr. and Stacy Reed of Frankfort, and Melissa Reed of Utica; and his grandchildren, Morgan , “Pa’s girl”, and Jordan, "his little man". Also surviving are his brothers and sister-in-law, William and Virginia Tuttle, and Robert Reed, all of Rome; his sister and brother-in-law, Charron and Robert Thomas of California; his many nieces, with special mention of Michele Scheddin, nephews, especially Billy Scheddin; great-nieces, great-nephews, especially Justin, and Katy, and several cousins; and his mother-in-law, Natalie Basile; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Fobare; and in-laws, Bill and Roseann Scheddin. Rick also leaves his many special friends, with special remembrance of Dave Cox and their Chinese lunches. He was predeceased by his sister, Ruth; his brother, Donald; his father-in-law, Vito L. Basile; and his brother-in-law, Eugene Fobare. Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to all those who responded in their efforts to aid Rick. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rick’s Celebration of Life with Military Honors, which will commence on Tuesday at 7:00 pm at the conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30. “Thank you for all you did with love, through the years. You will always be in our hearts”. Love, Barbara

Richard L. "Rick" Reed, Sr.

January 14, 1948 - February 2, 2007