David E. Reed, 75, of North Reading, moseyed through the pearly gates on January 4, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease. The son of the late Floyd and Mildred (Gates) Reed, he hailed from Barre, VT, attending Spaulding High School where he excelled in academics, as well as in the dramatic arts. His numerous awards and accolades included a scholarship to Northeastern University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Morelli.
In addition to earning a B.A. in History, David obtained a M.A. in Education from Suffolk University and a M.B.A. also from Northeastern University.
David and Mary settled in North Reading to raise their family, where David became involved in youth softball, serving as a coach and board member for several years. Always active in the community, he helped build the original KidSpot playground on Chestnut Street.
He continued his love of theater, performing as Colonel Pickering in “My Fair Lady,” and as one of the Gangsters in “Kiss Me Kate,” both with North Regional Theater Workshop. His greatest performance, as he loved to tell, was as Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.
As a 32nd degree Mason, David served as Worshipful Master of North Reading Lodge AF & AM, High Priest of Waverly Royal Arch Chapter, District Deputy Grand High Priest of the Seventh Capitular District, Illustrious Master of Melrose Council – Council of Royal and Select Master Masons, Commander of Metro North Commandery #20, High Priest of St. Paul’s Royal Arch Chapter, Master of the 13th Lodge of Instruction, and a member of the Degree Team for Mt. Moriah. In 2011, he was awarded the coveted Joseph Warren Medal by The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
David combined his love of public speaking with his gift of storytelling serving as a tour guide for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in Boston.
He had a quick wit, with a love of Dad jokes and puns. His competitive spirit emerged around all games, especially Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit.
In addition to his wife of 51 years, Mary, he is survived by his daughters, Meredith (Reed) Cailler and her husband Craig of Tewksbury, Jillian (Reed) String and her husband Andrew of Lynnfield, his grandchildren Ava Cailler, Neal, Noah, and Nathan String, his sisters Margaret (Reed) Newhall and her husband Douglas of Manchester, NH, Eleanor (Reed) Gaudette of Rutland, VT, his brother James Reed of Berlin, VT, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Calling hours will be held at Croswell Funeral Home 19 Bow St, North Reading on Saturday, January 18 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 with a public Masonic funeral service from 1:30 to 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America at www.hdsa.org or Huntington’s Disease Society of America 505 Eighth Avenue Suite 1402 New York, New York 10018. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
I am sorry I didn’t meet Dave or his family early enough to know the witty, smiling actor father, but I knew the grim fighter and his loving women and grandchildren long enough to see a wonderful legacy and recognize a great soul. Now Dave has peace and his family can rest in remembering all of what he was and built for them to keep.
Dave once said that in our travels, we had more fun than two guys could have in a lifetime. I will my my dear friend greatly. God bless his gentle soul.
Our deepest condolences to you, Mary, and all your family. We didn’t know David well or for long, but we certainly enjoyed the times we did spend together! He will be greatly missed. Praying for you, for peace & strength as you move forward during this sad and difficult time. Sending love and hugs from afar.
My sincere condolences to Mary and the girls. Dave was such a gentleman. Even with his illness he still had that light in his eyes and the spirit of a fighter.
We are so sorry to hear of David’s passing. I always picture the 2 of you together. Our love and support to you Mary, the girls and the rest of your family.