Robert Paul “Bob” Reeder
June 13, 1937 - December 14, 2021
Robert Paul “Bob” Reeder, age 84, of Minnetonka, MN, formerly of Newark, DE, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
Born on June 13, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Andrew and Eva (Peterson) Reeder. Bob graduated from Yeadon High School in Yeadon, PA. He furthered his education at the University of Delaware and was a multiple letterwinner in both lacrosse and football. Bob was a member of the 1959 Blue Hens’ Lambert Cup winning football team. It was at Delaware where he met and fell in love with his wife of 58 years, Dotty. Bob proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for four years in several bases in the Southeast and Gulf Coast as a jet fighter pilot and later, as a flight instructor until the conclusion of his service. After his dedicated service and return to Delaware, he worked in multiple capacities as an educator and as a football coach, first at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, MD, and later in the Brandywine School District. He closed his career in education as a Driver’s Education teacher at Dover High School. Bob launched and oversaw two small businesses: the Drummond Ale House and for over the past twenty-six years, Delaware Defensive Driving, Inc. He spent the last year in the Minneapolis, MN area to be closer to family.
Bob was supportive and devoted as both a husband and father. With his loving wife Dotty nearby, Bob was a neighborhood fixture around whom kids would frequently gather, as well as a planner of a multitude of outings for friends and family. Bob was actively involved in youth sports, serving as the head coach for the Shue Braves of the Capitol Trail Football League and frequently volunteering his coaching expertise for the Newark National Little League and Wildcat Softball League.
In his spare time, Bob kept active as a recreational golfer perfecting his swing at his backyard practice area, learning new ways to utilize his home computer for creative endeavors, lending his knowledge to the Delaware Safety Department, and keeping in touch with his children in California and Minnesota.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy Anne “Dotty” (Wilson) Reeder and sister, Bette Mullin. He is survived by his children, Kimberly and Michael Reeder.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12:30 pm. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance regardless of their vaccination status. Entombment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
Any family members or friends who are unable to attend the services for Bob can live stream the service by clicking here.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or online by clicking here.
Deb Rosati
Mike & Kim,
My deepest condolences for the loss of your dad. He was a kind and remarkable person. May you both find peace in knowing he is reunited with your mom. Thank you for the opportunity to work with him. I will always remember our chats about his true love “Dotty.”
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Bob. Throughout his life, Bob’s dedication to excellence and integrity enabled him to undertake and succeed in many endeavors including participation in sports, coaching and teaching, Our country was very fortunate that Bob proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for four years as a jet fighter pilot. Many people were fortunate over the years that Bob’s heart was in sharing his remarkable skills and they benefitted from the training he provided it whether it was flight school, education, sports, or driver education. It is my hope that the remarkable legacy Bob leaves brings comfort to his family and many friends.
Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long
State of Delaware
Lois Brooks
You have my deepest sympathies. I visited with Bob with my therapy dog Rosie and he shared wonderful stories about his college football days, his most beloved wife Dotty, the adventures they shared along with his dogs through the years, And of course his son and daughter of whom he was most proud. I take comfort knowing he is with Dotty because he missed her so much. He was a kind and sweet man.
harry themal
I knew Bob from two aspects: as my and my wife’s defensive driving instructor and as a columnist who often heard from Bob about ways our highways could be made safer. That second interest also entered his driving course and he regularly sent his observations to the Delaware Department of Transportation. Both his teaching and his critiques proved Bob’s devotion to our state and to safety. My wife and I send our condolences to his children and many friends.
David May Jr.
Kim and Mike,
Deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad. I have a lot of memories and will always be thankful for the man who gave me my first job and taught me how to drive a car. He also instilled in me the confidence that I could be special, which couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. Was saddened to hear of his illness and passing but know that he is always remembered positively by me and my family
Tom Bursler
Mr. Reeder,
Though we worked together at Dover High School for 4 years, I never thanked you for your military service. Thank you sir. But my gratitude extends far beyond. Your insights about coaching (“No Coach should give a take sign – Coaches should give swing signs) and the benefits of transparency in both living by it and expecting it in my teaching career have served me well. Mr. Reeder I really missed our pow-wows in the Driver’s Ed Office after your retirement. I am very sorry I did not keep in touch with you. Much of what you taught me makes more sense now then ever… Rest in Peace my friend, Always Tom