Robert L. Reed

Robert L. Reed (Bob), 87, of Hockessin, Delaware, and formerly of Townsend, Delaware, passed away on Sunday June 8, 2025 at Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware. He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Nellie Reed.

Born in Smyrna, Delaware in 1937, Robert spent his early years in Townsend, Delaware. As a young teenager, he found himself in a scary predicament: while in the chicken house on his parents’ farm, a tornado touched down and carried the chicken house up in the air. Robert miraculously survived, retelling the story of his flight throughout his life.

Following graduation from Smyrna High School in 1955, Robert enrolled at the University of Delaware, graduating in 1959. He would later earn his Master of Business Administration in 1971. After his time at the University of Delaware, he served in the United States Army in the Signal Corps and was stationed in Okinawa.

Following his military service, Robert began a career that would span nearly 60 years. Beginning in 1962, Robert began his career in health care administration. During this time he oversaw long-term care ranging from assisted living to skilled nursing care. Robert had a true passion for providing top-notch compassionate care for our aging population. Throughout his career, Robert served as leadership of numerous long-term care facilities, including the director of the Governor Bacon Health Center, vice president for Retirement Living, Forum Group, administrator of Kearsley Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, administrator of Regal Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Facility, as well as a private consultant for Health Care Services and Retirement Living.

Robert’s unwavering dedication to Delaware’s aging population continued well into his later years. Upon his retirement from health care administration in 2018, Robert was 81 years old. The average age of the patients in his facility was 78.

Aside from his passion for providing compassionate care, Robert had a lifelong love for music. He was a dutiful student of the piano from a young age. His love of the piano led him to the Rotary Club, where he first began playing the piano in 1953. He still served on the music committee in 2025, a 72 year dedication to the Rotary Club. In addition to Rotary, Robert was a member of the Music School of Delaware, the Delaware Health Care Commission, numerous Delaware health care review boards, the Swank Leadership Council, the Sons of the American Revolution, and 4-H Club.

Robert is survived by his son Nathaniel Reed of New Hampshire, who recently retired as a Commander in the United States Navy after 28 years of service in the Submarine Force. Robert leaves behind two grandchildren D’Anna and Elizabeth, and five great grandchildren, Aiden, Kaelyn, Isabella, Declan, and Nick Jr.

He is also survived by his former wife Diane Otey who resides in Wilmington, Delaware.

Robert will always be remembered for his dedicated service to Delaware’s aging population. His legacy of compassionate care will continue to live on.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, June 15, 2025 beginning at 5:00 PM at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike Hockessin, Delaware 19707. A service will take place the following morning, Monday, June 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Hockessin United Methodist Church, 7250 Lancaster Pike Hockessin, Delaware 19707. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM at Odd Fellows Cemetery, 420 S DuPont Boulevard Smyrna, Delaware 19977.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hockessin United Methodist Church.