Wallace R. Reed

Wallace Reed Obituary

May 8, 1923 - September 4, 2008

Marlboro, NY

Wallace entered into rest on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at Hudson Valley Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center, Highland, NY. He was 85.

On May 8, 1923, he was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Clarence Charles and Ida Hesse Reed. He was predeceased by both of his parents.

He was a decorated U.S. Army combat soldier who fought at the Battle of the Bulge in WW II. After the war, Wallace was employed as a salesman for Toledo Scale, NY, and later as the bartender of an Irish pub in Maspeth, Queens. He also served as first mate on "The Rocket", a charter fishing boat out of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, for 15 years. He was affectionately known as "The Unc", for acting as both official and honorary uncle to nephews, nieces and friends.

Wallace was a world traveler with a lifelong thirst for adventure. He journeyed to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone; stateside, he went skydiving to celebrate his 70th birthday. He was equally at home playing golf at a tropical locale, shooting pool in a local watering hole, or reciting jokes and poetry in any venue. Wallace will be remembered for his keen wit and gentlemanly ways.

Survivors include: his daughter, Linda Labrise and her husband, Robert of Marlboro, NY; one son, Wallace J. Reed and his wife, Debra of Howard Beach, NY; four grandchildren, Megan Labrise, Matthew Labrise, Christie Reed and Jonathan Reed; brothers, David Reed and his wife, Betty of Massapoqua, NY and William Reed and his wife, Mary of Brooklyn, NY; sisters, Dawn McLean of Florida and Patricia Roehling of Connecticut; many nieces and nephews, and a plethora of faithful friends. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Eleanor Higgins Reed, as well as two brothers, Donald Reed and Robert Reed.

Final disposition will be private and at the convenience of the family.

For any other information, please contact Robert C. Engel of the Engel Funeral Home, Inc., Newburgh, NY, 845-562-1144. To send a note of condolence, please visit our website at: www.engelfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Herald-Record on Sep. 7, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Wallace Reed

9 Entries

Eileen Morrissey

September 22, 2008

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Kevin Lewis

September 17, 2008

To The Reed Family and Friends:
Wally AKA "THE UNC" was a very close friend of mine in the Maspeth Pub. He was a Gentleman who went out of his way at any given time to help others. I know here in Maspeth he is missed by Hundreds of Friends,Thats how many he knew and loved him. I will miss him very very much and for those who never met him. Well you missed a once in a Lifetime to be friends with a Man you would Love and never Forget. Your friend,Pool Partner,Dart Player,Fishing Buddy and Drinking Buddy Kevin.
You left us here on earth but you never left our hearts. When its my time buddy i will see you again.
Love
Kevin
Maspeth,New York

Linda Reed Labrise

September 15, 2008

To all who sent kind words:
they are very much appreciated.

My father had many talents; helping others ranked topmost. Being the eldest of seven Reeds who lost their beautiful mom early on may have encouraged that. He enjoyed making people smile.

Dad died moments after complimenting a hard-working nurse on her gold necklace.

We feel blessed to have shared many smiles with Dad over the past months and we're most grateful for his final gift--bringing the family closer.

Please stay in touch.

Best regards,
Linda

Barbara Beard

September 14, 2008

Dear Linda, Bob, and Family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Uncle Wally will be greatly missed by all. I have wonderful memories of visiting Howard Beach as a child. When my brother, David, was just a toddler, I remember he dropped a toy or pacifier on the floor from his play pen. Your German Shepherd picked it up and brought it back to him. I guess that was when I fell in love with the breed. I also remember when you (Linda) gave me an old guitar of yours and Butch gave David his old drum set. More than anything else, though, I loved hearing the stories of the Reed boys and how they always stuck up for each other and got themselves into and out of some sticky situations. One of my favorite memories of Uncle Wally was when we had a family reunion in Montauk. I believe we stayed at the Montauk Inn at the time (bay side). I remember sitting on the beach watching the magnificant sunset melt into the water. Uncle Wally joined me marveling at its beauty as well. He said he loved the water so much that he thought if he was reincarnated he would have been a fish. I'll always have fond memories of my "Unc."
Love,
Cousin Barbara (Reed) Beard

Gary & Bobbie Frey

September 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Megan Labrise

September 8, 2008

Hi All,

On behalf of the family, I'd like to thank you very much for the kind words. Grandpa was a heck of a man, and our lives are all richer for having known him.

Best wishes,

Michael Soffos

September 8, 2008

Dear Linda, Bob and family,
My sincere condences go out to you and yours on your loss. I know these are difficult times, but I hope it will bring you peace to know that he is in the Lord's hands now. May he rest in eternal peace.

Alice Smith

September 7, 2008

Dear Linda, Bob and children,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. I hope your wonderful memories help bring you peace. My thoughts are with you all. Love, Alice Smith

Jose Cartagena

September 7, 2008

Dear Linda, Bob, and family,

I am not always sure what to say during times like this. Passings are always such a uniquely personal thing for each person impacted by its inevitable occurence. I just hope that your father's passing was one of peace and as such as has helped to ease your grief.

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