World War II veteran was managing editor of the Daily Item
Published in the May 10, 2017 edition
WEST NEWBURY — Robert G. Reed, 96, was born in Wakefield on December 23, 1920, the son of Harry I. and Dorothy (Chase) Reed, and graduated from Wakefield High School and from Tufts University with a degree in Journalism.
Bob passed away peacefully on April 27 after a brief illness.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served in the 81st Field Artillery Battalion. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle for the Rhineland and the Battle for Eastern Germany as a Corporal and then as a Sergeant, Technician Fourth Class. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
In 1983, the Reeds moved to Chatham and in 1986 to West Newbury where they resided for the last 30 years.
Bob was managing editor for the Wakefield Daily Item in the 1950’s and 1960’s and an editorial writer for the Boston Herald in the early 70’s. In 1975 he started at the Lowell Sun as an editorial page editor and writer. After his retirement, he continued writing occasional columns for the Lowell Sun until just recently.
Some of the best times of his life were playing trumpet with some really well known big bands in the Boston area. “Just terrific” he would say. He is remembered by his family as funny, caring, independent, intelligent and, most of all, a true gentleman.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, Marion Cheyne Reed, and his son, David Reed. He is also predeceased by his brother Gardner Reed, his wife Priscilla and two of his nephews: Douglas Reed and Robert Reed.
He is survived by his niece Susan O’Neill of Peabody and her children Kimberly McDonagh and Tracy Condon and their families; his niece Melissa Reed and nephew Richard Reed and their families, and his nephews Scott Cheyne and Craig Cheyne and their families. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Laura, Stephanie and Eric, and their families, all of South Carolina. He will be remembered by many good friends and neighbors.
We will miss him very much.
Funeral services will be private.
Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home in Wakefield.
