Earl J. Reed, Jr.
May 29, 1932 - July 2, 2026
Earl J. Reed, Jr., age 94, of New Castle, DE, passed away gently, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE on May 29, 1932, he was a son of the late Earl J. and Dorothy (Wilson) Reed, Sr. Earl graduated from P.S. duPont High School in 1951, he continued his education at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Earl’s commitment to civic leadership and public education spanned decades. He served as Vice President of Gracelawn Memorial Park from 1957 to 2002. In 1974, he was elected to the former New Castle-Gunning Bedford School Board and served as its president from 1975 to 1978, New Castle County School Board of Education from 1978 to 1981 and later as president of the Colonial School District Board of Education from 1981 to when he retired in 1985. His dedication to Delaware students also led him to serve as president of the Delaware School Boards Association and president of the Wilmington Manor Elementary PTA.
Earl was a devoted member and past president of the Wilmington Manor Lions Club and the Masonic Club of Delaware. He was also a proud member of St. John’s Lodge A.F. & A.M., the Delaware Consistory, Nur Temple, and the Shrine Club.
A faithful member of the New Castle Presbyterian Church, Earl served as an elder, deacon, and trustee. In his spare time, Earl enjoyed spending time on the golf course, where he appreciated both the game and the friendships it created. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and vacationing with his beloved wife.
In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janet M. (Maxwell) Reed and brother, Glenn Reed. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey A. Reed, David E. Reed (Mollie), and Susan E. Werkheiser (Jim); grandchildren, Brian Werkheiser (Lauren), Nicole Kowaleski (Ed), Sarah Christie (Will), and Brad Werkheiser (Sarah Ann); great-grandchildren, Eddie Kowaleski, Brynnlee Kowaleski, Reed Kowaleski, and Sawyer Kowaleski; brother, Gerald Reed (Rebecca); sisters-in-law, Lynda Weaver and Helen Maxwell; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. 2nd Street, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm. A reception will follow in New Castle Presbyterian Church’s CE Building. Inurnment will be held privately in Gracelawn Memorial Park.
Any loved ones who are unable to attend the service for Earl may live stream the service by clicking here.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Earl’s name to New Castle Presbyterian Church, at the address listed above.
Sisina
David, Mollie and family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Stephen Sweeny
To the Reed Family,
My sincere condolences to you all. I knew Earl from Gracelawn and from him playing in the annual Gioffre golf outing at Rock Manor golf course. I always enjoyed talking with him.
He lived a good long life and I hope all the memories of him help you get through these sad days.
Sincerely,
Stephen P Sweeny
Barbara Spence
So many Lions memories! Earl and Janet were dear friends!
Keith L Thompson
So sorry to hear about Earl’s passing. He was a great guy and a great Lion. My condolences on your loss. He will always be Mr. Grace Lawn in my eyes. Keith
Patti ( Speakman) Christopher
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I spoke with your Dad about 8 months ago just to say. Jim Street was my cousin. Whenever, Jim & Jo would come into town, I would see your parents.
Earl was a great guy. Sending hugs and keeping you all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Patti Christopher
Les Carlton
Earl and Janet lived across the street from our family in Penn Acres. Both of them were kind and caring neighbors. On occasions, Earl would join me and others in a friendly game of basketball. He and Janet are now together forever. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Les Carlton
Mai-Linh Cruz
Sending my deepest condolences to Jeff and his family. My heart is heavy after hearing of your loss. I’ve known Mr. Reed, (the late) Mrs. Reed and Jeff for my entire employment of 13+ years in my office. The Reeds have truly been some of my most favorite and cherished patients here and I will always remember the laughs and jokes we shared!
Dallas Kerley
The world lost a wonderful man who was a great neighbor and a pillar of the community.
Seastrom family
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences from the Seastrom family to the Reed family. We are thinking of you all and are sorry for your loss.
Chris Fagles
I am so sorry to hear of the your passing of dad. Both your dad & mom were such wonderful & caring people & will be truly missed. I will be thinking of all of your & keeping you in my prayers.🙏
Gart H. Heller
Earl was a good friend and a Gentleman and Leader. A lifelong member of the Wilmington Manor Lions Club.
Rest in Peace my friend I am so sorry we didn’t make our Lions Lunch with you and Bud S. Barbara S. and Wayne B.
My Condolences and Prayers to Jeffrey and the Family.