Robert C. Reed, 67, died of cancer June 12 in his home in Old Town, Alexandria.
Born in Toledo, Ohio July 26,1932, Reed attended Miami University of Ohio where he received a B.A in English Literature and Art in 1959. He went on to graduate with a M.A in English Literature from Bolling Green State University in Ohio in 1961 and continued his Ph.D studies at the University of Maryland.
A 44-year resident of the metropolitan area, Reed taught English and writing at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. and continued to shape minds at St. Stephen's School in Alexandria, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Marymount University in Arlington.
Reed also wrote an architectural column for the Alexandria Gazette Packet called "By Design" and authored and edited seven books: "Train Wrecks," 1968; "The Streamline Era," 1975; "32 Picture Post Cards, Old Washington, D.C. - Ready to Mail" (edited), 1977; "The New York Elevated," 1978; "Old Washington, D.C. in Early Photographs," 1846 -1932, 1980; "Crash: Travel Mishaps and Calamities," 1999; "Smashups: The Hazards of Travel," 1999
He was a former president of The Alexandria Library Company, a board member for the Historic Alexandria Foundation and Alexandria Sister City Committee, active in Antique Show planning in Alexandria, a volunteer at homeless shelters in Alexandria and a member of Christ Episcopal Church.
Robert C. Reed leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce Reed Fox and Darrell Fox of Westerville, Ohio, a nephew Marc and his wife, Rita Fox of Elburn, Ill. and their children Justin Fox of Washington, D.C. and Tyler Fox of Elburn, Ill., a niece Constance Fox Irwin and her husband, Craig Irwin and their children, Scott and Kelly Irwin of Gahana, Ohio along with many dear friends in Old Town Alexandria and Washington, D.C.
A memorial service was held Monday, June 27 at Christ Church, Episcopal.
In lieu of flowers make donations in honor of Robert C. Reed to the American Cancer Society, 124 Park Street, SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180.