Dennis Neil ‘Denny’ Reed

ROCHESTER — Dennis Neil “Denny” Reed, born Aug. 3, 1938, in Ellicottville, passed away peacefully Aug. 1, 2026, two days shy of his 88th birthday, in the company of his loving wife.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Carol A. (Puhalla) Reed, and their five children, Chad Reed (Jill Mortali), Peter Reed (Sarah Mullen), Clare Reed, Renee Reed and Therese Reed Karatayli. He was the proud grandfather of Devin Reed, McKinley Reed, Hayley Reed and Rowan Karatayli, and is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Vernon F. Reed and Margaret E. (Nannon) Reed; his brother, John Reed; and is survived by his siblings, his sister, Verna Wescott; his brother-in-law, Clair M. Wescott Jr. (predeceased); Tom Reed (Annette “Nettie” Reed) and Karen Sue Reed, wife of his late brother, John.

As a young man growing up in New York’s Southern Tier, Dennis led an active and adventurous life. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and spent his time hiking, fishing, hunting and even experimenting with pyrotechnics. A bout of childhood polio temporarily curtailed these pursuits, but through determination he made a full recovery.

He graduated from Salamanca High School in 1956 before serving in the U.S. Army as a member of the Military Police. Stationed in Germany for 18 months, he served his country with pride and was honorably discharged March 31, 1963.

Dennis met the love of his life, Carol, on a train — one traveling home, the other returning from a ski trip. They were married May 5, 1962, and built a life together rooted in love, family, humor and shared purpose.

The couple eventually settled in Rochester, where they purchased and lovingly restored their 1917 Craftsman-style home in the city’s historic 10th Ward. During this time, Dennis earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rochester Institute of Technology. While balancing work and his studies, he also devoted countless hours to raising their family and restoring their home.

Dennis spent the majority of his career with General Railway Signal, where he played a key role in managing and maintaining the New York City subway signaling system. Highly respected in his field, he later served as a manager and consultant on railway signaling projects throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Outside of his professional life, Dennis pursued a wide range of passions. He was an accomplished woodworker who crafted custom cabinetry throughout his home; an avid outdoorsman who hiked sections of the Appalachian Trail and explored the American West; a passionate drum corps enthusiast and alumnus of the Salamanca Grey Knights; and a dedicated genealogist. He was also an enthusiastic golfer, hosting the annual “DNR Tournament” for more than 30 years while participating in numerous golf leagues.

Dennis also expressed his creativity through writing and art. He authored personal accounts of his upbringing in New York’s Southern Tier and created detailed pen-and-ink sketches of more than 50 homes in Rochester’s Maplewood neighborhood. He and Carol were active participants in the Maplewood Neighborhood Home and Garden Tours, where his artwork was frequently shared and appreciated by the community.

In his later years, Dennis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He faced the challenges of the disease with remarkable strength, resilience and quiet determination, even as it gradually limited many of the activities he loved.

Dennis will be remembered for his craftsmanship, curiosity, unwavering dedication to family, gentle humor and quiet strength. His legacy lives on through the home he restored, the community he enriched and, most importantly, the family he loved so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Genealogical Society, the American Parkinson Disease Association or the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps.

Family and friends visited Sunday (Aug. 9, 2026) at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave., Webster. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday (Aug. 10, 2026) at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester. Interment would follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester.