SACKETS HARBOR, NY — Donald W. Reid, 89, passed away Saturday, March 2, at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
He was born Sept. 8, 1929, a son of George and Gertrude Bendis Reid.
Don grew up in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1947 and attended Erie Community College in Buffalo. Don served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre and was honorably discharged in 1953. He married Mary Peace in that same year. They were married for 42 years and Mary passed away in 1994.
Don had a long and successful career with Niagara Mohawk, now National Grid, retiring from the gas department as regional superintendent of gas operations of the Northern Region in 1991. He married Karen Harter in March of 2008. Don and Karen spent all their married life in their home on Lake Ontario in Sackets Harbor.
His survivors include his wife, Karen, two children, Diane (Lonny) Reinhardt and Thomas (Sarah) Reid, all of Sackets Harbor, and Karen’s daughter Kristin (Patrick) Conners, Adams. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Jay Reid, Charles Reid, Grace (Ryan) Hearne; a great-granddaughter, Daphne Hearne; three step-granddaughters, Leah, Libby and Alaina Conners; two brothers, Arthur Reid, Buffalo, NY; J. Charles (Judy) Reid, Richmond VA; many nieces and nephews.
His parents, two sisters, Beatrice Doyle, Ruth Finucan, a brother, Richard, and step-son, Troy Harter, all predeceased him.
Don enjoyed golf, bowling and boating on the St. Lawrence River for many years. He was an active member of the Watertown Elks Club until becoming ill. He was exalted ruler in 1999-2000, an honorary life member since 2003, Elk of the Year 2001, Lodge Trustee 2001-2008, Lodge Tiler 2008-2012; he received the Grand Exalted Ruler Service Award in 2006 and 2010. Don also was past Exalted Ruler President 2001-2005 and 2009-2011. He served on numerous committees including house committee, bell jar committee, kitchen committee, youth activities committee, charity breakfast and dinner, dictionary projects, visiting committee and the bulletin committee. He was always there when needed.
Calling hours will be held 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. There will be a Elks Service at 3:30 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 4 p.m. with Rev. Leon (Toby) Schilling officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson Co., 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 or a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com
