Donald R. Reed, 92, of Cape Vincent

CAPE VINCENT, New York (WWNY) - Donald R. Reed, 92, a lifelong resident of Cape Vincent, peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home on October 28, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.

Donald was born on February 10, 1931, in Cape Vincent, the son of Ralph and Edna (Pennock) Reed. He attended Lyme Central School before proudly serving in the United States Air Force from July 19, 1950, until his honorable discharge on July 18, 1954. Upon returning home, he married Patricia Van Ness on March 2, 1952, and they shared their lives until her passing on December 28, 1974. Mr. Reed began his career as a dairy farmer in Three Mile Bay, which he owned and operated until 1968. He then owned and operated Bachy’s Marina from 1968 to 1991, eventually passing it to his daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Michael Countryman. During this time, he also drove school bus for the Lyme Central School District until his retirement in 1991. He later found happiness in a second marriage with Betty L. Mason, and the couple was united in matrimony on January 31, 1976, at the Three Mile Bay Methodist Church. Betty, too, was a retired school bus driver from the Lyme Central School District. Following his retirement, Donald worked for Bourquin Farm Equipment as an equipment operator.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty L. Reed, and his blended family of ten children, Jennie and Michael King, Ogdensburg, NY, Donald and Cathy Reed, Jr., Jamesville, NY, Richard and Julie Wright, Rochester, NY, Jackie Shapley, Bainbridge,GA, Jeanette and Michael Countryman, Chaumont, Jamie Dollinger, Canyon Lake, TX, Jeanine and David Bourquin, Jill and Tim Mason, Reggie and Serena Wright, all of Chaumont and Julie and Rick Janson, Peterborough, NH; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, along with his sister, Dorothy Hollenbeck of Fall River, Massachusetts.

Besides his parents he is predeceased by his daughter, JoAnn Reed and two sons, Raymond and Robert Wright and brother Carl Pennock.

Donald’s life was filled with passions, such as hunting, woodworking, gardening, mowing the lawn, and farming. He was a dedicated member of the Three Mile Bay Fire Department and the Cape Vincent American Legion. His contributions were recognized with the John C. Londraville Award from American Legion Post #832. In 2016 he had the honor of participating in the honor flight alongside his son, Don, Jr.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Johnson Funeral Home in Dexter. His wish was to be cremated, and a celebration of life will take place on 18 November 2023 at the Three Mile Bay fire hall starting at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, the Three Mile Bay Fire Department, or the Three Mile Bay Methodist Church.

Online condolences can be shared at www.dexterfuneralhome.com