David L. Reed, 81, of Rome, NY, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family members, at the Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, NY, on June 21, 2011 after a long illness. Born in North Adams, MA on November 20, 1929, he was the son of the late Gerold B. and Mary A. Reed. Mr. Reed was a graduate of Drury High School, The Rensselaer Institute of Technology of Troy, NY, and Utica College of Syracuse University. He gave his country 30 years of Federal Service, starting in the United States Marine Corps and then working for the Air Force through the Department of Defense. As a young Marine, Mr. Reed worked on one of the Truce Commissions for the United Nations in Palestine, prior to the establishment of the State of Israel. Although he had a very successful career, Mr. Reed was most proud of his family, and he felt his greatest enjoyment in being a father and grandfather.
Mr. Reed is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marion C. Nuber Reed, as well as seven daughters, Linda (William) Grahame of Escondido, CA, Cynthia Floyd of Piney Flats, TN, Susan (John P.) Mercurio of Rome, NY, Sandra (Alan) Wilson of Holland Patent, NY, Deborah (Robert) Stanton of Verona, NY, Mary Reed (John) McCall of Gloversville, NY, and Carolyn Reed (Edmund) Turnley of Nashville, TN, 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Edward Reed, of Lakeland, FL. In addition, he enjoyed a warm relationship with his two "adopted" daughters from New York City, Judy Switzer Kupski and her sister, Carol Switzer Chin.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2011 from 1 to 5pm at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut Street, Rome, NY. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 27, 2011 at 10:30am at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1807 Bedford Street, Rome, NY. Interment will follow in Carr Cemetery, Marcy, NY.