Thomas R. Reed

Thomas R. Reed passed away peacefully on October 15, 2021. Thomas was born on January 1, 1941 in Trenton, New Jersey to the late Charles Raymond Reed and Elanor Kleine Reed. Beloved husband of Mary Elizabeth Mastrianna Reed.

Thomas is a proud United States Naval Veteran having served during the Vietnam War. He was first stationed aboard the oldest aircraft carrier, the U.S.S Essex CVA-9. Thomas was then transferred to the newest carrier,  the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Enterprise CVAN-65 as a Plankowner (first crew). Following his service, Thomas worked for many years as a Cargo Relocation Specialist for Valleries Transportation until his retirement. He was a founding member on the Teamsters Union Scholarship Committee and after retiring from work he became the Scholarship Committee Chairman and a member of the Teamsters Local 191 Retiree Chapter. 

Thomas has been a member of the Joseph W. Tarrant  Jr. Memorial American Legion Post 100 in Bethel,  CT for many years. He served as Post Commander for 3 years as well as Vice-Commander and Membership Chairman.  Thomas held the position of 3rd District Commander for 3 years.  

Thomas was honored with a lifetime membership in the U.S.S. Enterprise CVAN/CVN-65 Association. He served as Vice Chairman for several years, He organized and ran 3 national reunions.  From 1989, when Thomas joined the Association until his passing; Thomas and Mary Elizabeth traveled to 48 U.S. States together, while attending the annual reunions.  

Thomas grew up in Westport, CT and was active in DeMolay as well as the Boy Scouts. He dedicated most of his adult life supporting the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Scoutmaster in both East Norwalk and Bethel,  CT. He also held various leadership positions in both Cub Scout and Boy Scout local units as both his sons grew through those programs on their path to earning their Eagle Scout Awards. Thomas was invited to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico to help in the national redevelopment of the Webelo Scout program.  He also served on the U.S. National Jamboree staff at Fort A.P. Hill, VA in 1981. Thomas organized and ran the first Pushmobile Derby in the Fairfield County Council. Thomas received numerous awards and recognitions including; Order of the Arrow, the District Award of Merit, Woodbadge Beads, the George Meany Union Scouter Award and the Silver Beaver. 

In addition to his beloved wife, Thomas is survived by his two sons: Anthony Reed, Thomas Reed Jr. and his daughter-in- law Katie Reed. As well as his grandson Brandon Howard Reed, sister Shirley Blake of Foxboro, MA, his nephew and nieces. 

Services will be held at the American Legion Post 100 Hall, 2:00-4:00pm Saturday October 23 at 7 Elizabeth St, Bethel, CT 06801. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Comfort Warriors, an organization dedicated to supporting Military personnel and veterans recovering from wounds and illnesses at medical facilities and transition units receive comfort items, rehabilitation equipment and recreational opportunities through Operation Comfort Warriors. Donate here: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Give/Donate-Online/Donate-Now?CashProductId=134418

To light a candle or leave a condolence in his memory, please visit www.DanburyMemorial.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas R. Reed, please visit our floral store.