Francis G. Reid Jr.

Obituary of Francis G. Reid Jr. Please share a memory of Francis to include in a keepsake book for family and friends. View Tribute Book It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Francis Gerard "Frank"Reid, Jr., 62, of Findlay, Illinois, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville, Illinois. Frank was born on April 22, 1963, in Gulfport, Mississippi, 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, New York, to continue his work for Irby Utilities in Shelbyville, Illinois, 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, Illinois, 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, New York; siblings, Daniel Reid of West Monroe, New York, Colleen Vernold (Eric) of Rome, New York and Alisa Reid of Rome, New York; mother-in-law, Diane Clark, of Cicero, New York; sister-in law, Jill Coleman (John) of North Syracuse, New York; stepchildren, Aaron Cousineau (Danielle) of Liverpool, New York, Vannessa Mallinger (Joe) of Phoenix, New York and Joseph A. Fortino of Solvay, New York; step-grandchildren, Bryonna and Erin "Stink" Cousineau and Michael and Hank Mallinger, as well as several nieces, nephews and his cherished fur baby, 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 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, Rome, New York. On Friday, October 10, 2025, a mass will be held in his honor at 11a.m., at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, in Rome, New York. Frank's final resting place will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Lee, New York, with military honors, immediately following the church services.