Obituary of Theodore F. Reed

Theodore F. Reed (Ted), 86, of Belfast, ME, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2022, after a heroic battle against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Ted was born on October 13, 1935, in Jamestown, Rhode Island to Russell and Mary (Santos) Reed. He spent much of his youth living in the areas of Frankfort, Winterport, and Dixmont, ME. Ted was a U.S. Army Veteran with a specialty in artillery. After serving his country, he moved to the Belfast area, married the love of his life and raised a family. He was a long-time law enforcement officer where he served for Belfast Police Department for over 20 years, many of those alongside his beloved K-9 Mitzi. He served as Chief of Police of Stockton Springs, ME for four years, and worked part-time for the Waldo County Sherriff’s Department for over 12 years. Ted also worked as a security guard for various institutions; Maine Yankee, Pen Bay Medical Center, Maine Maritime Academy, and most recently for GS4 Security at Bank of America. Ted was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was happiest when surrounded by his large family whom he adored unconditionally. They were his biggest source of enjoyment and pride. Family gatherings were made memorable due to his quick wit, jokes, countless stories, and funny sayings. His legacy will live on in all his children and grandchildren. His life was well lived, and although the loss is immeasurable, so is the love and memories left behind. In his spare time, Ted enjoyed hunting, fishing, landscaping, detailing his many cars, and restoring antique rifles. He loved to jump in his car on the weekends to visit family and friends. He was a great storyteller with a larger-than-life personality. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He is predeceased by his parents, three brothers, Russell, Al, and L.A. (Spike) Reed; one sister, Christine Rolfe; one granddaughter, Jana Vaughan; and grandson, Dennis “Boo” Vaughan. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Patricia Reed; three sons, Dennis Vaughan of Waterville, ME, Theodore R. Reed and his life partner Karen Brown of Belmont, ME, and Merl Reed and his wife Tamie of Swanville, ME; five daughters, Diane Jackson of Stockton Springs, ME, Lisa Vaughan of Belmont, ME, Sharon Reed-Hall and husband Buzzy of Belmont, ME, Karen Stams and husband Travis of Stow, MA, and Brenda Reed and partner Ethan Columbia of Belfast, ME; 26 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roger Reed and wife Norma, and Charlie Reed and wife Marolyn, both of Carmel, ME; three sisters, Letha Dodge and husband Ronnie of Dexter, ME, Barbara Davis of Etna, ME, and Lydia Grass of FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held from 2-4 pm on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center; 80 Belmont Avenue, Belfast, ME. The family is asking that in honor of Ted, and in lieu of flowers, that you please consider giving blood or a donation to the American Red Cross.