Russell F. Reed

Russ always wanted wings and his journey to get them started in The Army Air Corps during WWII where he was a B-17 Pilot with the 398th BG, 603rd squadron. On a mission flying over Germany, he was shot down, captured and spent the remainder of World War II as a German POW. After the War, he went to Montclair State Teachers college, now Montclair State University, where his father was a professor. He obtained his bachelors in 1949 and masters degree in 1950. After college, he continued to serve in the military as part of the newly formed US Air Force where he flew many different types of aircrafts: B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25, C-47, F-82 Twin Mustang, F-94, F-80, F-86 Sabre to name a few. A fiery crash in an F-84 nearly cost him his life and his wings, but even that could not keep him from his flying career. He continued to fly in the Air Force Reserves and started a career as a commercial airline pilot with Eastern Airlines where he flew the Lockheed Constellation, Lockheed Electra, Boeing 727 and retired flying the Airbus A300. His flying career with Eastern Airlines took him to Miami, Florida where he met a beautiful stewardess, Louise Mary (Monti) Montemarano and married her. His career with Eastern took them to Stone Mountain, Georgia where their daughter Kelly was born. On His 60th birthday Russ retired from Eastern Airlines with 29 years of service and from the US Air Force. Russ spent more than 42 years flying professionally and stopped counting after 20,000 hours of flight time. He was part of bringing in the jet age of aviation.

After the loss of his wife Monti in 1988, Russ found companionship in his lifelong friend Helen Mildred (Millie) Reimer McMillan. They married and both enjoyed a second life in Port Ludlow, Washington. After Millies passing in 2012, Russ moved to San Antonio, Texas to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.

Following a mission during which he experienced an epiphany, church became a very important part of his life. Russ was very involved in church life wherever he lived for as long as he was able to do so.

Russ lived life to its fullest. He had a contagious smile and a sharp wit. A stroke in 2018 took his independence, but he was blessed to have the most amazing caregivers, Jose Alfred Contreras, Christine Green and Terri Martinez. They were with him 24/7 and loved him like he was their own papa. When asked how he wanted his name to appear Jose said "Jose Alfred Contreras Reed" a true testimony of his love for Russ. Their love, care and adventures made memories that will forever be ingrained in the heart of his daughter. They were "#TeamReed" to the end when he gained his ultimate Wings on Saturday, December 18.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents and his wives. He is survived by the light of his life, his daughter, Kelly (Derek) Hoelscher; his grandson and namesake, Reed Hoelscher and granddaughter, Leigh Hoelscher of Texas; his stepson, Scott McMillan (Jeff Arcuri) of California; nieces, Terri (Dave) Burnham, JoAnn James (Jeff Tiballi); nephews, Tom (Linda) Calabrese, Marc (Suzanne) Comella, Rick Comella; 12 great-nephews and nieces and 9 great-great nephews and nieces.

Photo credit to Jeffrey Rease Photography of www.portraitsofhonor.us

SERVICES

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

11:00 AM VISITATION

12:00 PM FUNERAL SERVICE

Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home

120 West Main Street

Blanchester, Ohio

Interment (with (Full) Military Honors) will follow in Blanchester I.O.O.F Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Montclair State University Foundation for The Reed Family Scholarship Fund, 1 Normal Ave Montclair NJ, 07043.

A celebration of life to take place at Blue Skies of Texas West at a later date.