Robert Frederick Reed

Robert Frederick Reed died on February 24, 2022 at the age of 82 after a two-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born September 22, 1939 in Ambridge, PA, Robert (Bob) was the son of the late Charles and Margaret Reed of Ambridge, PA and brother of Charles Reed of Lafayette, CA. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Hannah, children Elizabeth and Charles (Liz and Chris), and three grandchildren – William, Emily, and Colton – whom he adored.

After graduating as salutatorian from his Ambridge high school, Bob attended Northwestern University where he received his bachelor’s degree in political science and completed the Navy ROTC program in 1961. Following his time at Northwestern, Bob was commissioned in the Regular Navy where he served as 1st Division Officer aboard the USS YORKTOWN. Bob then attended Submarine School in New London, CT and went on to serve as weapons officer between 1963 and 1967 on board two different submarines - the USS BLUEBACK and the USS TECUMSEH. In 1966 while in port for training in Pearl Harbor, Bob met Hannah. Three weeks after meeting, Bob proposed, and they were married two years later in Baytown, TX.

In 1967, Bob took an excess leave to attend law school. He earned his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1970 where he graduated Cum Laude and served on Law Review. He later obtained a Master of Laws degree with highest honors in Public International Law from George Washington University and graduated from the National War College. Following graduate school, Bob entered the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) where he held numerous positions including legal counsel for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also served two tours of duty in Japan between 1978 and 1987 where he was Commanding Officer of the Naval Legal Service Office in Yokosuka, Japan. Bob’s final appointment brought him and his family to Annapolis, Maryland where he provided legal counsel to the midshipmen at the Naval Academy. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain in 1990 after 30 years of service.

After retiring from the Navy, Bob enjoyed an 18-year private sector career that included opening his own law practice followed by twelve years in financial advisory at Long Financial Services.

Bob was many things - a brilliant individual, an accomplished professional, a formidable racquetball player, an avid coin collector, and a jazz aficionado to name a few. He loved his family, spending summers at their Lake Erie cottage in Linwood, traveling the world with Hannah, and enjoying a good Manhattan. Those who knew him best will remember his patience, his generosity, his gentle and unassuming nature, and his love of a good laugh.

He died in his home, surrounded by his family, who loved him fiercely.

We are humbled by the love and support we have received from family and friends and would also like to express our gratitude to both Hospice of the Chesapeake and Griswold Home Care for the wonderful care that they provided to Bob.

A memorial will be held to celebrate Bob’s life at Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis, MD at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 26th. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Linwood Christian Life (www.linwoodchristianlife.org) or to Parkinson’s research.