Paul R. Reed

Paul R. Reed 78, of Tucson, AZ passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2014. He will be remembered for truly making a difference in all the lives he touched through his work, his acts of kindness, his thoughtful conversation and his amazing sense of humor. Paul was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 7, 1935 to parents, Frank and Mildred (Welker) Reed. He went to Central High School for Boys. He attended Albright College in Reading, PA, until he felt compelled to assist his mother at home, following his father's unexpected death. This lead him to his first passion: automobiles. Paul spent the better part of 40 years in the automobile industry; ultimately retiring from the the largest Cadillac dealership in the Philadelphia area after a successful 25 year career as both the Sales Manager and the General Manger. He won numerous awards and was nationally recognized for his work by General Motors. When he retired, he purchased one of his favorite Cadillacs: the Allante. He also loved to collect antique car models and always enjoyed looking at and talking about cars. When on family vacations, he often would quiz his boys on the make and models of cars when they passed them. He was said to have the largest repeat business of customers in South Jersey by his employer. He was beloved in the Philadelphia and New Jersey communities alike while raising his children, along with the mother of his children, Patricia (Palermo). He then fell in love with the desert and moved to Tucson in 1997 to enjoy his many years of retirement in his new home. As soon as he moved into the Countryside Community, he quickly became involved in the center's business. His goal, like in his business, was to leave a lasting mark. His life was grounded at the Center with the people he loved and found many ways do what was best for the Center. His contributions were many to the organization where he was a board member from 1998 and was the current President of the Board until his passing. Another passion of Paul's was sports. He was frequently seen (and heard) watching all televised sports and reading sports- especially The Wildcats. However, what really interested him was golf. He worked at Quarry Pines Golf Club for 15 years in a variety of roles and simply loved all the people he met and the stories he traded with them. He also played 2-3 times per week until his disease kept him from the sport he most enjoyed. His driving passion, however, was his family and friends. Paul was loving, caring and beloved to his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Frank. He is survived by his two sons, Paul (wife Tracy) and Jeff; by his four grandchildren, Julia, Tanner, Gabrielle and Ryan and by his dear friends, Maria and Marx Durant, Mike and Marti Casalongue, Alice Lyle who are considered family. The family would like to recognize, with a special thanks, Julio Durant, who spent a tireless evening with him until he passed. Paul had many other interests. He read a multitude of genres on a weekly basis. He also loved animals, whether his own or other people's, and was seen for many years accompanied by his "Puppy Jack". In addition, he tried never to miss Fox News- and his favorite program- The O'Reilly Factor. The family would like to express their gratitude to all his doctors that helped him in his treatment and care, and especially to the doctors and staff at HealthSouth and Oro Valley Hospital- where they meticulously cared for and made his end-of-life comfortable. He will be missed for ALWAYS being there for others- helping whomever he could- however he could. He ultimately lived his life in the service of others and made a difference in all the people's lives he touched. He had a knack of making other people feel special and energized. That special feeling will be forever remembered. Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of his Life at Countryside Community Center, 9151 N. Bald Eagle Avenue, Tucson, AZ on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to make a donation in his memory online, please visit www.pmc.org/pr0104 or by mail- make check payable to The Pan-Mass Challenge send to: PMC, Attn: pr0104, 77 4th Avenue, Needham, MA 02494. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Avalon Chapel.