David L. Reed Sr. 76, of East Taghkanic, NY passed away peacefully at home Saturday morning after a long battle from complications of lung cancer.
He was born in Chatham, NY son of the late Lavancha Vogelsang. He attended East Nassau Central School, Lebanon High School and later served in the United States Air Force. Early employment was at Columbia Boxboard of Chatham followed by Agway Petroleum of Hudson.
Dave recently retired from Taconic Hills Central School District after twenty plus years of employment in the Transportation Department. He loved being with the kids, and the kids respected and loved him. He thought of his coworkers as his extended family.
Dave had a great sense of humor with a beautiful smile, bringing laughter among many. His greatest joys in life included his family, garden, and mowing his lawn. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. In his past time, he enjoyed tinkering in his garage and woodworking.
He leaves behind his lifetime partner and best friend of forty four years Fran Sherman (Grannie Frannie) as well as his children: David L. Reed Jr. (Nancy) of Gt. Barrington, MA; John C. Reed (Bobbi) of Claverack, NY; Lori J. Puff (Walter) of East Taghkanic, NY; Michele Sherman Murrell of Pittsfield, MA; and R. Scott Sherman of Portsmouth, NH. He leaves behind grandchildren Louis, Corey, Brianna, Nate, Angie, Brad and Rob; a great granddaughter Elana; and a grandson Kevin who pre-deceased him in 1993.
He is survived by sisters/brothers: Jane Hathaway of Orlando, FL; Coral Krysztofik (Edward) of ShadyPoint, OK; Betty Freund of Clifton Park, NY; Artie Kuehner (Richard) of Pittsfield, MA; Lavancha (Adelaide) Snow of Orlando, FL, Mary Giannini of Fairfield, CT; Clarence Snow (Maggie) of Munice, IN; William Snow (Barbara) of Dacula, GA; and Donald Snow of the mid-west. His Aunt Lavinia Catalina of Nassau, NY and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive him.
His family would like to thank staff from Copake Rescue Squad, Columbia Memorial Hospital, Twin County Medical, and the Cavell House for the care and compassion provided during our times of need.
Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, from 5-8 pm, at Peck & Peck Funeral Home at 8063 State Rte 22, Copake Falls. Funeral service will be Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 11 am at the funeral home. Burial will immediate follow at the Craryville Cemetary.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cavell Cancer Treatment Center at 69 Prospect Avenue, Hudson, NY 12534 would be appreciated by the family.