Allen Stetson Reed, Sr.

Allen Stetson Reed Sr., 97, a resident of Park Street in Bennington, VT passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday January 17, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 10, 1917 on Pleasant Valley Farm in Jacksonville, VT, the son of Tracey Lee and Minerva L. (Allen ) Reed. Allen graduated from Whitingham High School in 1935 and attended Brattleboro Business School. He was the last surviving member of his high school graduating class.He was married to the former Elizabeth A. "Betty" Allen on April 15, 1943 in Waterbury, CT. She died June 24, 1997. Allen was employed for 41 years at the American Brass Company in Waterbury, CT, retiring as Benefits Administrator February 1, 1978. They raised their three children in Oakville, CT enjoying many weekends and vacations with family in Vermont. Allen and Betty were 50 year members of the Union Congregational Church and of the Vermont 251 Club. They spent many hours driving the back roads of New England and New York, motoring as far as Florida and California to visit family and friends.Allen was a proud veteran of World War II, serving his country in the Army Air Force. He was part of the military campaign in China, Burma and India and was honorably discharged at the rank of T/SGT. Allen served as Past Master of Federal Lodge #17 Free & Accepted Masons.Allen relocated to Bennington in 1997 to be near his children. He spent hours roaming Vermont, reading, visiting with family and making new friends. His family was a great source of pleasure and comfort to him. He leaves sons Allan "Skip" Reed Jr. and wife Carol (King) of Bennington; Tracey Reed of Jacksonville, daughter Susan Reed Basche and husband Bob of West Norwalk and Milford, CT., grandsons Brian and Adam Reed and Alex Reed Basche, great grandson Steven Williams as well as numerous cousins. The family will be forever grateful to those who provided care and comfort to their Dad.Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 24 at 1pm at the Jacksonville Community Church with Reverend L. Douglas LaPlante pastor officiating. A gathering will follow in the Sunday School building. Memorial gifts may be made to the Jacksonville Community Church or the Masonic Home and Hospital in Wallingford, CT in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 24 at 1pm at the Jacksonville Community Church with Reverend L. Douglas LaPlante pastor officiating. A gathering will follow in the Sunday School building.