Francis Gerard "Frank" Reid Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Francis "Frank" Gerard Reid, Jr., 62, of Findlay, IL, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, Shelbyville, IL.

Frank was born on April 22, 1963, in Gulfport, MS, the son of Francis Gerard, Sr. and Rosemary Ann Guida Reid. Frank proudly served in the United States Navy as a power equipment technician on the flight decks of the aircraft carriers, the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and the USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Upon his honorable discharge, Frank returned home to New York state, where he continued to develop his expertise in mechanics, genuinely loving the challenge of diagnostics in his field and teaching those interested in learning.

In 2018, Frank moved from Syracuse, to continue his work for Irby Utilities in Shelbyville, IL, where he was promoted to Branch Manager in 2024. Upon his arrival to Shelbyville, he married his best friend and love, Jennifer Joan St. Denis, on November 2, 2018, after both realized they did not want miles to ever separate them. They resided in rural Findlay, IL, where Frank immensely enjoyed working on a variety of projects around his homestead.

While words will never fully encapsulate the man that Frank was, his hobbies and interests helped define, in part, the essence of his life story and character. In addition to being a skilled mechanic and carpenter, Frank was also a master chef. He delighted and took great pride in preparing and sharing delicious and creative foods with his family and friends. To sit at his table was a privilege, as everything he prepared was done with his vast skills and boundless love. His lifetime of cultivating a multitude of talents enabled him to leave a lasting mark on many, because his generosity compelled him to help others whenever he could. Frank also enjoyed (with great emphasis) cookies, reading about an abundance of different topics and playful teasing with his kids, grandkids and dogs. Frank will forever be remembered for his boundless wisdom, as well as his superpower to effortlessly and spontaneously make others laugh. To know him, was to love and adore him and he will leave an indelible impression on those fortunate enough to call him husband, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor or coworker. Frank's spirit, smile and heart captivated everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer; parents, Francis, Sr. and Rosemary Reid, of Rome, NY; siblings, Daniel Reid, of West Monroe, NY, Colleen Vernold (Eric), of Rome, NY and Alisa Reid of Rome, NY; mother-in-law, Diane Clark, of Cicero, NY; sister-in-law, Jill Coleman (John), of N. Syracuse, NY; stepchildren, Aaron Cousineau (Danielle), of Liverpool, NY, Vannessa Mallinger (Joe) of Phoenix, NY and Joseph A. Fortino, of Solvay, NY; step-grandchildren, Bryonna and Erin "Stink" Cousineau and Michael and Hank Mallinger; as well as several nieces and nephews; and his cherished furbaby, Ethel.

He was predeceased, in death, by his first wife, Eileen M. (Hotaling) Reid, in 2014; and his father-in-law, Richard Clark.

"In the hope of enhancing the lives of others, Frank was a tissue donor with Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network."

Calling hours will be held from 4-7 p.m., on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, Rome. On Friday, October 10, 2025, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, in his honor, at 11 a.m., from St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Rome. Frank's final resting place will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Lee, with Military Honors, immediately following Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Clear Path for Veterans, Attn: Development, 1223 Salt Springs Rd., Chittenango, NY 13037.