Donald Barney "Don" Reder

Donald "Don" Barney Reder, 77, husband of Connie (Curcio) Reder, passed away on February 7 from complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Don was a lifelong West Hartford resident, where he attended Morley Elementary School, Plant Junior High, and Hall High School (class of 1965). Prior to graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, CT (class of 1969), Don enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving a tour of duty in Korea and attaining the rank of Spec 5.
Don was a persistent entrepreneur and problem-solver. From his founding of the West Hartford Youth Council at 19 years old, to the talent and marketing firm Brentco, to Mr. Coupon of New England, and finally to Dispute Resolution, Inc., a private mediation firm that he ran for over 35 years, Don positively impacted the lives of countless individuals through his work and unique ability to untangle complex situations.
Don had a wide variety of talents and hobbies. He had a fine baritone voice, which he applied to everything from singing with the Hartford Conservatory to being on air with radio stations while in college and in the Army. Don was active for years in the Trinity Club of Hartford, eventually serving as Club President. He enjoyed boating and fishing, vacations in Nantucket, power walks, paperback books with embossed covers, fried clams, anything with cheese, and Bombay Sapphire martinis. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.
In addition to Connie, his wife of nearly 47 years, Don leaves behind his son Ben, daughter-in-law Sarah (Melnitsky), and his two cherished grandsons, Teddy and Harry, all of West Hartford. He is also survived by his brother Barry (Ann) of San Francisco, CA, brother-in-law Ric Curcio (Mary Littel), of Venice, FL, and sister-in-law Kathleen Riolo (Peter), of Dobbs Ferry, NY, in addition to many nephews, nieces, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his father Max and mother Lillian, both of West Hartford.
Friends are asked to gather at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT at 2:30 PM on Friday, February 14, with a service beginning promptly at 3:30 PM. A reception will follow immediately at Rockledge Grille, 289 South Main Street, West Hartford. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or The Southern Poverty Law Center.