Obituaries

Taylor became a little less bright with the passing of Thomas Reed on Monday, September 8th, at his home after an illnes. He shook off many other close calls throughout his life of 9 lives. Born in Moosic on July 11th 1948 to the late Thomas and Ruth (Kresge) Reed, Tom was the Riverside Vikings’ biggest chearleader and he loved all things Taylor. He was a staple at every Viking football game, earning his spot on the fence to lean on, and at countless other sporting events. Tom was particularly proud of his grandaughter, Layla Welch #10, a 9th grade rising star on the Lady Vikes basketball team. Tom was an accomplished bocce player in his later years having won multiple league championships as a member of the Victor Alfieri Club. He was also a member of Taylor Hose Company as a volunteer firefighter for many years. Tom was a simple man who made the most of his life. He loved his wife Joyce dearly as they shared so many laughs, their personal funny jokes, rides on his Harley Davidson and just enjoying the simple life they shared together. He always said her smile made him fall. She was his everything. He loved his dog “Bailey” as he called her “the most beautiful girl in the world!” Tom was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and rode countless miles on his Harley trips throughout the United States (even once trekking to Alaska with his best buddy, Jack VonBergen). Whether he was drinking coffee with his riding buddies, his years truck driving or his personal favorite, making people laugh, Tom brought joy and laughter to all. You never knew what would come out of his mouth next! Sponsored by Apple House, Tom’s dirt track racing career was both memorable and undefeated. He loved high speeds, was well-known throughout the sport and his remarkable performances will never be forgotten. Tom loved his girls and shared a special Dad-daughter bond with his adored Kristen (“Cookie”). Even in his darkest days and throughout the countless trips to the doctors, he never ceased to make all of his nurses laugh. Sharing his bright and infectious smile, he still did his best to make those around him smile. He will certainly never be forgotten and long remembered with a smile. He is survived by his children, Thomas Reed IV, Michael Reed and wife Cara and daughter, Kristen Reed; step-son, Jason DiBileo and wife Megan; his siblings, Eugene O’Neil, Kathleen Pawlik and husband Craig; grandchildren, Holly, Layla, Lennox, Lincoln, Aurelia and Angelo; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Theresa “Terry” Reed; his son, Joseph Reed; and siblings, Joseph O’Neil, Patricia Wheeler, Carol Bailey and Dorothy Delucci. A celebration of Tom’s Life is scheduled for Friday in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge. Family and friends may pay their respects from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with blessing services scheduled for 7:00 PM. Private burial, St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow.