Francis X. Reed

WORCESTER – For the many people that knew him, using the word devoted to describe Francis Reed is most appropriate. Devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; devoted to his country, serving in the US Navy; and devoted to his community as a volunteer with many organizations to build better lives for people. And, as many know, he was devoted to his church and his deep Catholic faith. Francis Xavier Reed, 87, one of five born to Homer and Rose (Carney) Reed in Worcester, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening, June 13th surrounded by his loving family.

Fran had his share of travels during his time in the Navy, but his home was in the neighborhood in South Worcester that he loved dearly. He graduated from St. Peter's High School and was a faithful lecturer and active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Worcester, now St. Peter-St. Andrew. Fran was also a faithful participant of more than 60 retreats at the Passionist Retreat Centers in Shrewsbury and West Hartford, CT, and was a member of Cursillo. He could often be found, with one of the kids accompanying him, doing his corporal work of mercy - praying for the deceased by attending their funerals. Fran was a member of and treasurer for the Alhambra Council #88, Knights of Columbus, a member of the St. Andrew Men's Club and treasurer for the Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association. He was a proud veteran of the US Navy, serving during the Korean War. Fran worked as brakeman for the railroad and as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in Worcester, retiring from there after more than 30 years of service. He was the President of NARFE. He was part of the team that worked with the Charlie Monahan Christmas Parties for neighborhood children and donated his time to the Little Sisters of the Assumption through the Pernet Family Health Center in Worcester. He was also a champion for Special Needs children as a coordinator of the Seven Hills Annual Christmas Party and as a volunteer banker representing St. Andrews at Seven Hills. Fran truly enjoyed being active in the community but the most important part of his life was his family. Spending time with them made him the happiest. He cherished all the holiday get-togethers, the special parties when everyone surrounded him, and the countless laughs he shared with everyone.

Fran was predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Barbara M. (Courville) Reed who died in 2002 and his beloved son, Stephen who died in 1981. He will be missed and forever loved by his seven surviving children, Francis Reed and his wife Laurie, Michael Reed and his wife Judy, Terri Reed and her companion, Jamie Carr, Kevin Reed and his wife Diane, Raymond Reed and his wife Mary, John Reed and his fiancée, Anjelica Wanjohi, and Ann Marie Reed and her companion, Alan Hidenfelter; his 14 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren (he anxiously awaited the arrival of 2 more); his sister, Cecelia O'Brien; his sister-in-law, Carole Courville; as well as many nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. He will also be missed by his long-lost son, Joseph Chakus. Fran was predeceased by his brother, Robert; his sisters, Rosemary Ricciuti and Doris White; his brother in law Archie Courville and his brother in law Ray Courville.

Relatives and friends are invited to remember and honor Francis at his visiting hours on Monday, June 17th from 4-7 p.m. at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 18th from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at Saint Andrew the Apostle Church, 5 Spaulding Street, Worcester. Burial with military honors will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Assumption, 237 Millbury St., Worcester, 01610, or, honoring Fran's memory with a charitable deed would have certainly brought a smile to his face.