Curtis Van Cleve Reed

Eight months ago, we lost our beloved son, Ryan Andrew Reed, and now his loving Dad, Curtis Van Cleve Reed, peacefully joins him in eternal rest. Curtis was born to Abigail and Andrew Reed (deceased) on March 28th, 1957 in Baltimore, Maryland. Curtis is survived by Cheryl Reed (wife) and grandson Paxton Van Cleve Reed; his brother Russell Reed, wife Margaret (Peg) Reed and their children Mary, Joseph and Charles Reed; his sister Carol Reed Hutnek, husband, Mark (Skip) Hutnek and their children Sarah, Brandon and Joshua Hutnek. Also survived by his companion, Kim Combs and her son Rueben Hamby, numerous extended family members and many wonderful friends. And I would be remiss, to not mention his beloved dog, who was always by his side, Kipper the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Curtis graduated from Oakland Mills High School, 1976, in Columbia, Maryland. After time at Salisbury State and Howard Community College, he went on to the Maryland Electrical Apprenticeship Program, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24 Union, completed the program, state exam and became a licensed Maryland Master Electrician on May 7, 1984. He was deeply committed to the electrical industry and sponsored many young men into the program over three decades. This deeply connected Curtis and his father, Andy Reed, also in the industry, as the Maryland National Electrical Contracting Association (NECA) Director.

Cheryl and Curtis were married on December 28, 1984 in Columbia, Maryland. Our only son was born on October 16, 1985 (deceased). Curtis loved to coach Ryan’s ARYA baseball, with his dear friend “Coach Jan”, and their son (Ryan’s best friend) Robb. He was a loving father, and many will recall, in the younger days how he referred to our son as “lit-tle fellow”. He was so pleased when Ryan also joined the electrical industry. We loved to travel and there are so many wonderful memories of trips with family and friends, like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the Black Hills and summers in the Outer Banks.

Curtis and his life-long friend, Kurt Henningsen started their own electrical contracting business, (inc. Dec. 1987), as Henningsen-Reed Electric Company. They joined NECA (Jan. 1993) and were in business together for more than three decades. Kurt cites his journey with Curtis is what great friendships are made from; school, party times, road-trips and a business together – more than 50 great years!

Like our son, Curtis was an amazing kindred soul, a most gregarious and loving man. He had a wonderful sense of (very dry) humor, was happy-go lucky, and loved a good time. He could befriend all, from the stranger on the street to the 4-Star General at “Space Prom”. He loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle, RV-camping, day-trading in the market, sports (Ravens) and listening to good ole rock’n’roll music.

The later years were hard for Curtis, as he struggled with an ever-encroaching case of Multiple Sclerosis but throughout it all, he kept his determination and wonderful sense of humor. We are deeply grateful for all who supported him through this journey.

Curtis will be laid to rest, with our son Ryan, on Thursday, March 4th, Noon, Loudon Park Cemetery at 3620 Wilkens Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland. The graveside service will be led by our “adopted son”, Johnny Wallace. An outdoor gathering will follow in Curtis’s backyard, where all family and friends will be welcomed. Bring your own lawn chairs and COVID protocol will apply. A joint “Celebration of Life” service for Ryan and Curtis will be scheduled later in the July timeframe. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) at MyMSAA.org; National Multiple Sclerosis Society, stem cell research program at nationalmssociety.org.

With love,

Cheryl