John Artell Reed, affectionately known as Johnny, was born on April 20, 1957 in Boston, MA and passed away on December 15, 2025, at the age of 68.
The youngest of four children born to the late Richard A. Reed Jr. and Edith S. (Batson) Reed. Arriving two months after his father's passing, John was described by his mother as an Easter gift. He was later blessed with a bonus father, Wallace Judkins. John was confirmed at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church and later joined the Mormon faith.
Growing up in Boston, John loved swimming at the Roxbury Boys' Club, fishing, and helping others. He was inspired by his mentor, the late Octavius Rowe, through the Big Brothers Association. He graduated from Boston English High School in 1975 and attended Roxbury Community College.
John married Elizabeth Ann Ritch on August 28, 1982 and lived in Hyde Park. He supported his nephew and niece, William and Kristyn (Kea) Atwood. John worked in neighborhood stores, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. After graduating from the Massage Institute of New England in 1998, he opened his own business, Body By John, and also worked as a sleep apnea technician. Known for his infectious laughter and making everyone feel welcome, he loved traveling, fishing, grilling, dancing, and sharing experiences with friends and family.
John lived his life with humility. He said, “I missed the mark in so many ways and so many times. If I had the opportunity to do life over, I would do things differently—but I only have this one life.” Even in his final days, he encouraged others by leading AA meetings.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard A. Reed Jr. and Edith S. (Batson, Reed, Cleveland) Judkins; Wallace C. Judkins; and his siblings, Donna A. (Reed) Wharton, Deborah E. (Cleveland) Atwood, and Richard A. Reed III. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Reed; his siblings, Susan A. Reed, Charrisse A. Cleveland, Gail A. Mobley, Katrina F. Turner, Christina V. Beira, and Jemal C. Judkins; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; his aunt, Margaret (Reed) Lowell; and many relatives, countless fun-loving cousins, and dear friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who prayed, visited, and provided comfort for John. Though deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
The youngest of four children born to the late Richard A. Reed Jr. and Edith S. (Batson) Reed. Arriving two months after his father's passing, John was described by his mother as an Easter gift. He was later blessed with a bonus father, Wallace Judkins. John was confirmed at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church and later joined the Mormon faith.
Growing up in Boston, John loved swimming at the Roxbury Boys' Club, fishing, and helping others. He was inspired by his mentor, the late Octavius Rowe, through the Big Brothers Association. He graduated from Boston English High School in 1975 and attended Roxbury Community College.
John married Elizabeth Ann Ritch on August 28, 1982 and lived in Hyde Park. He supported his nephew and niece, William and Kristyn (Kea) Atwood. John worked in neighborhood stores, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. After graduating from the Massage Institute of New England in 1998, he opened his own business, Body By John, and also worked as a sleep apnea technician. Known for his infectious laughter and making everyone feel welcome, he loved traveling, fishing, grilling, dancing, and sharing experiences with friends and family.
John lived his life with humility. He said, “I missed the mark in so many ways and so many times. If I had the opportunity to do life over, I would do things differently—but I only have this one life.” Even in his final days, he encouraged others by leading AA meetings.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard A. Reed Jr. and Edith S. (Batson, Reed, Cleveland) Judkins; Wallace C. Judkins; and his siblings, Donna A. (Reed) Wharton, Deborah E. (Cleveland) Atwood, and Richard A. Reed III. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Reed; his siblings, Susan A. Reed, Charrisse A. Cleveland, Gail A. Mobley, Katrina F. Turner, Christina V. Beira, and Jemal C. Judkins; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; his aunt, Margaret (Reed) Lowell; and many relatives, countless fun-loving cousins, and dear friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who prayed, visited, and provided comfort for John. Though deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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