Suddenly on June 26, 2017, age 37. Devoted son of Clement D. Reed and Gail E. (nee Palagruto), loving brother of Heather R. (Mike) O'Mara, cherished uncle of Shane and Luke O'Mara, dear nephew of Lynn (Joe) Davis, Joy Palagruto (Dan Urban), June (Jack) Dowling, Joan (Jim) McDonnell and Carol (Bob) Lincoln. Ryan was a 5th grade math teacher at MaST Community Charter School in N.E. Philadelphia. He received his Bachelor Degree at West Chester University and then his Master's Degree in Special Education from Eastern University. Ryan was the baseball coach at MaST for the 6th to 8th grades. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and would often write songs for his students. Golf was another great love for Ryan. He played at the Bensalem C.C. as well as with the Wake Up James Tour traveling league. Ryan will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are invited to Ryan's Life Celebration Wednesday July 5, 2017 after 6 P.M. and Thursday July 6, 2017 9 to 10:30 A.M. from JOHN F. GIVNISH OF ACADEMY ROAD, 10975 Academy Rd., Phila. 19154 and to participate in his Funeral Mass 11:30 A.M. in Maternity B.V.M. Church. Int. Our Lady of Grace Cem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, P.O. Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9976.
To share your fondest memories of Ryan please visit

www.lifecelebration.com
1-877-GIVNISH

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

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News from Jul. 2 to Jul. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for RYAN REED

Sponsored by John F Givnish Funeral Home - Academy Rd.

44 Entries

Ahsan Malik

October 21, 2022

Hi my name is Ahsan Malik,

I just want to say no one could have ever asked for a better teacher, and mentor than Mr. Ryan Reed. He was even more than just that, it´s not enough to describe him. He was a true man, and even felt like a father figure to me at little moments in time. He showed me manners and taught me how to be polite. But it wasn´t just that, Mr. Reed made us cherish the moments as he would bring his guitar into the classroom on holidays. All doubt and misfortunes would just melt away in those moments. There is one memory of Mr. Reed, however, that will never make me forget him...

We took a 5th grade trip to college settlement camp, where we would spend the time away from home and school for a fun outdoorsy adventure. One night the whole class was taken out for a dance, and Mr. Reed asked if I out of all the kids was tired. It was then I realized how special of a person he really was...(it´s hard to hold back the tears..) all the funny and wholesome that we shared will never ever be forgotten. I know I´m rather late to share this, but I am here my beloved Teacher, Mentor and Friend.

Sincerely,
Ahsan Malik

Paul Silvestri

June 20, 2021

Think about you every day brother. ❤ You and miss you.

Paul S

June 20, 2020

I miss you every day buddy ❤

Ann Ritzlock

July 8, 2017

I worked with Ryan as a 5th grade teacher at MaST, and my daughter, Emily, had him as a teacher. We will both miss Ryan so much. He was a truly dedicated teacher and a wonderfully loyal friend. I knew each time I saw him, there was great potential for laughter! Love you always, Ryan!

Ashley Bradley

July 6, 2017

My heartfelt Condolences to the Reed Family. I work at MaST down the hallway from Ryan. He always had such positive energy and always made me smile. He will be greatly missed.

Ryan Todt

July 5, 2017

Ryan truly was an incredible human being & will be missed dearly! I will always remember driving him to Archbishop Ryan H.S. every morning with Eric Lucach and having our morning moments together for that one magical senior year we all shared. By the time we got to school we would all be out of breath laughing at each other's antics to make each other smile. The amount of positive energy that Ryan brought into my life & his enthusiasm was simply priceless! For example, Even on a cold February morning that a car came out of nowhere by making an illegal u-turn that crashed into my Buick, "Betsy", which had us all stranded on Red Lion Rd. inconveniently left us with a damaged bumper & a flat tire, & unexpectedly late for school. Ryan was there to help file the police report after we called 911 from a payphone, make light of the ridiculous situation, & help fix on a spare tire with enough time to spare to get Dunkin Donuts before driving to second period. "Betsy" never drove the same, but our friendship grew that day as we laid on the freezing asfalt by the Texaco gas station near Ryan's house.
It's the small moments like this that truly bring out the best in people, and Ryan always embraced those moments. Life isn't fair & if there was a person who deserve to live to be 100 years old, it's Ryan.
Heaven help us all... now that Ryan is in it ! I guess God sometimes doesn't "spare" the people who make life better on Earth for too long so he must need them in Heaven sooner than later. We will miss you, Ryan! Thank you for being a true friend & an amazing person.

Truly,
Ryan Todt
AR Class of 1997

Mary Humphries

July 5, 2017

We are so very sorry for the loss of your son and brother. Mr Reed was my grandson's favorite teacher. He was great with all the kids as well as their parents. He even helped me get through that first year of the dreaded common core math. He took the time to help anyone at any time. He was truly a kind and caring person, who gave his all to everyone. I felt so much better that he went on the Settlement Camp when my Billy went. He assured me he would be fine and would call me if anything went wrong. Happily , everything was fine and I survived knowing he was in Mr Reed's care. Rest easy Ryan. Fly with the angels.

Jane O'Mara

July 5, 2017

Dear Gail, Clem & Heather: Brady and I are so sad for all of you that you have lost your precious son and brother, Ryan. The world has lost a genuinely good guy. We will miss him. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers as you grieve this tragic loss. Much love and God's blessings, Jane and Brady

Joe Coyne

July 5, 2017

It was a privilege to know you Ryan through our golf league. You were a heck of a player and one of the nicest folks to be around. My heart goes out to the Reed family. Please know that you and Ryan are in my prayers.

Amir Hughes

July 5, 2017

Thank you for being the best math teacher that I have ever had. You made me enjoy math and understand it too.

Andrew Jacoby

July 5, 2017

The man with his guitar! I will miss all the songs we made up in college!

Andrew Jacoby

July 5, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Reed family. We definity lost one of the good ones! He will truly be missed!

Tina Blocker

July 5, 2017

Mr. and Mrs. Reed. We are sorry for your loss. Mr. Reed, he was a fantastic person and teacher. I had the privilege of having my children being taught by him. My kids would come home everyday and tell me about the multiplication game...before they enter the class they would give the answer the times table. They loved it, it built theirs and every other student confidence. He told me that when he first started at MaST, my eldest daughter, Ariel, was the one student he met first because of her friendly smile. When it came to college settlement camp, he didn't mind at all that we called about our son. Ryan will be tremendously missed, he is the one person that made an impact on ALL of his students, parents, his friends and coworkers.
The Blocker Family

Heather Angell

July 4, 2017

Mr. Reed was my 4th grade teacher at mast he even sent a postcard in the mail to every student before school started! he was the best teacher I had he was so caring towards his students & always knew how to connect to them. He will be missed

Linda Lavelle

July 3, 2017

Prayers for the Reed Family. We are so sorry for your loss. He has touched the hearts of so many through his teaching and coaching at Mast. I know he touched ours when he taught my son Brandon in 5th grade. He will always be alive in the hearts of all who knew him.

Craig Waxman

July 3, 2017

Ryan was a gem - one in a million. He cared for others. He made you feel valued and accepted and unique. I'll always remember him spearheading poker nights and skiing trips and Phillies games... He made you have fun even when you didn't want to. A truly special guy.

Dana (Polovoy) Brady

July 3, 2017

Gail, Clem & Heather,
I don't have the right words to share how very sorry I am. My memories of Ryan from BVM so many years ago are still pretty vivid. He always managed to bring a smile to your face and make you laugh. After reading all of the wonderful memories on this page, it seems like he was still doing the exact same thing, making people smile, and making a difference in someone's life. You will all be in my thoughts this week.

Terri Pendergast

July 2, 2017

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Reed,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ryan and I have been grade partners for the past seven years. In that time I got to know him for the kind, caring and thoughtful person that he was. I looked forward to going to work everyday because of him. We will do our best to keep Ryan's spirit alive at MaST by always going the extra mile for our students and making sure that they know they are loved, just as he did everyday.

Jeanne Benkert

July 2, 2017

To Clem, Gail & Heather,
There are no words adequate enough to express my sorrow and sympathy to you in your shocking loss of Ryan. I remember him fondly, like it was yesterday, playing hockey & baseball with the other boys on our street and riding the school bus to BVM with my girls. I have heard so many friends & parents talk about how dedicated & loving Ryan was as a teacher & coach to his students at MAST. As a retired teacher, I know our schools need wise & caring teachers today more than ever, and it is a devastating loss when one as highly valued as Ryan is taken from us so suddenly. But his legacy will live on in the lives of all the students he taught, mentored & coached and his spirit will stay alive in all of us who are lucky enough to have known him--even for a short while. Clem, especially Gail, Heather & your family, you are in my thoughts & prayers always.

Netta Sumner

July 2, 2017

Ryan you were a very kind and giving teacher. You made a difference in so many students life. You will be missed.

Paul Silvestri

July 2, 2017

Ryan this still doesn't seem real. I'll never forget the good times and good laughs we've had together. I'm just glad I had a chance to talk to you the last few days before your departure. We always picked up where we left off and never skipped a beat. You were one of a kind and will forever have a place in my heart buddy. Hope you're drinking beers and eating wings like we talked about last week. Your legacy will live on through all your kindness over the past 37 years and we will continue in your honor for sure. Rest easy my friend and love you brother.

Kay May Werner

July 2, 2017

Ryan was an incredible coach for MaST. He never forgot that the kids come first before anything. He was looked upon as a Mentor to all his players, colleagues and coaches. Ryan's infectious peaceful demeanor drew many people toward him. He will always be remembered to his SEPCAL friends as one of the greatest coaches in our league. We are truly saddened and sorry.

KayMay Werner
SEPCAL 2017

Eric Rosenstein

July 2, 2017

Dear Gail, Clem, and Heather:
My wife Marsha and I are devastated and saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of your son, Ryan.
He was a wonderful young man loved by everyone who knew him.

Eric & Marsha Rosenstein

Natalie Feldman

July 2, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of Ryan's passing. My condolences to his friends, family and to the staff and students at MaST.

Janet Lazar

July 2, 2017

Dear Gail, Clem & Heather:
Words cannot begin to express the sorrow I feel for the loss of your precious son & brother. Ryan was a special child of God & he
will send you the strength to get thru this difficult time. Knowing how much he was loved by others and the influence and inspiration he was to his students is a reflection of his family & your love to him. Ryan touched the hearts & souls of all who knew him. You will be forever in my thoughts & prayers. Janet Lazar
M!

Coleandcarlie Geiger

July 1, 2017

We are all saddened about the passing of Mr Reed my children Cole and Carlie Geiger said he was the best teacher they ever had and we are so sorry to hear about his passing..Many thoughts and prayers go to the family and your in our hearts forever....

Nathalie Poirier

July 1, 2017

My deapest condolences to you Heather and your loved ones

Laura Rakowski

June 29, 2017

We are so so very heartbroken to hear of Mr. Reed's passing. My daughter Jenna had him in 5th grade and my daughter Kathryn was looking forward to having him teach her this year. He will truly be missed! May he rest in peace! The Rakowski Family

Elizabeth Ross

June 29, 2017

Ryan was a great guy and great teacher. He was such an inspiration to our son Jack and so supportive of him. May God give you strength at this terribly sad time.

Shania Gold

June 29, 2017

To the Reed Family,
Mr Reed was the best teacher and person we have come across at MAST. Shania has so many great memories of her time she spent with him. She really enjoyed when he sang by the campfire! He was an amazing person and will forever be missed! Rest easy! Xoxoxox
Love Shania, Molly and the rest of the Gold Family

Betty Steed

June 29, 2017

Ryan,
You will be missed by so many. I pray for your family, friends, and students. You are a truly amazing teacher, friend. Fly high my friend and do what you loved the best sing, sing, sing and play your Gautier my friend and R.I.P. Ms. Betty

June Isbell

June 29, 2017

God Bless,will always be remembered and missed by so many

Linda Gotlieb

June 29, 2017

Heartfelt condolences on your devastating loss. Ryan will always remain in our hearts and our fondest memories.

RoniSue Santulli

June 29, 2017

Ryan you were so full of life and put a smile on everyone's face that you came into contact with. You will be truly missed by your MaST family - staff and students included. Fly high and Rest in Peace.

Carlos Castillo

June 29, 2017

RIP my friend!

Officer Steven Hartzell

June 29, 2017

Ryan you will always be awesome in my eyes. I enjoyed presenting the,DARE Program in your classes and getting to know you. You were and are one of the biggest persons in heart and spirit I ever met. To everyone else Please remember that those who we love are always alive in our hearts as long as we speak of them. .

Dennis Duffy

June 29, 2017

You will be missed Ryno... my deepest condolences to the Reed family. RIP my friend, it was a pleasure golfing with you the times we played together. You were a class act!!

Danielle McCarthy

June 29, 2017

I first met Ryan when he began teaching at MaST. We worked together for about 4 years. He was always positive and happy spreading joy to everyone. My thoughts and hugs go out to all who are missing Ryan.

Lisa Hiegl

June 29, 2017

My children, Emily, Amelia and Jason were very blessed to have Mr. Reed as their 5th grade teacher. He always took the time to work with each of them individually, and he left a lasting impression upon every student he taught. He was definitely one of the best teachers ever, and he will be deeply missed. My youngest, Celia, was looking forward to having him as her 5th grade teacher. RIP Mr. Reed.

Krystal Laskaris

June 30, 2017

Thank you so much Mr. Reed for everything you did for our kids ( your students) .. you'll never be forgotten. Sending Love Heartfelt and Support from our Family to Yours.

Steven Hartzell

June 30, 2017

Ryan you were and are an awesome person. Your heart and spirit were huge. I enjoyed presenting the DARE Program in your 5th grade classes and getting to know who you are. To all who knew Ryan Please remember those we love are always alive in our hearts as long as we speak of them.

Tom DeCree

June 30, 2017

Christopher Baselice

June 30, 2017

Ryan I still can't believe this. I will always cherish our friendship that we shared over the years in HS/College and after. I will miss our talks that you and I had. We shared a lot of great memories through the years. I will always remember the good times and the laughs we had. You are the best and I will miss you dearly but will keep your memory alive. Love forever your good buddy always Baz