Joseph E. Reed

1937 - 2025

SALAMANCA - Joseph E. Reed, 87, of Salamanca, died Tuesday (May 13, 2025) at Buffalo General Hospital, after a sudden decline of good health.

Born Aug. 31, 1937, in Norwich, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and H. Gertrude Kearny Reed. He was married Feb. 27, 1960, in Little Valley, to Mary Ann Hill, who predeceased him June 15, 2019.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1955. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as gunners' mate on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42. He was honorably discharged following a two-year tour of duty.

Upon returning to Salamanca, Mr. Reed had been employed by the Erie Railroad, Fancher Furniture Company and Clark Brothers. He served the City of Salamanca for 20 years as a professional firefighter and EMT until his retirement in 1989.

Mr. Reed then turned his passions for hunting and firearms to managing West State Guns and Ammo as sole proprietor until December, 2012.

Joe was lifelong member and benefactor of the National Rifle Association and a life member of the Square Circle Club. He also belonged to the Salamanca Conservation Club, the International Association of Firefighters, and Our Lady of Peace Parish and the former St. Patrick's RC Church, Salamanca.

He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, gunsmithing and working on various mechanical projects and passed these passions to his sons. He was particularly skilled at solving mechanical puzzles, hunting wild turkeys and fishing for muskies at the family camp in Conewango. He enjoyed taking daily car trips with Mary Ann throughout Cattaraugus County visiting yard sales, flea markets, ice cream shops and friends.

Surviving are three sons, David E. (Susan Harman) Reed of Silver Run, Md., Robert J. (Amy Letcher) Reed of Little Valley and Joseph A. (Barbara Schmauch) Reed of Pendleton, S.C.; nine grandchildren, April, Autumn, Emilie, Hannah, Lori, John, Justin, Eric and Warren; 11 great-grandchildren, Donovan, Landry, Emma, Gavin, Asher, Dominic, Brody, Brooklyn, Remi, Aria and Declan; a great-grandchild, Margo; a sister-in-law, Sylvia (Nowaczyk) Reed of Cheektowaga; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by older brothers, John Reed and Donald Reed; and sister-in-law, Janice Potter Reed.

Honoring Joe's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. His ashes will be interred at Calvary Cemetery next to his beloved Mary Ann.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.