Irving Reed, 99, of Delhi, passed away Nov. 9, 2021, at home.
Irving grew up on a dairy farm in New Berlin. He attended a one-room school through eighth grade. At 17, he started college at Cornell University. His studies were interrupted for five years during World War II, while he worked on the family farm. During this time, he met and married his first wife Lillian. Together they moved to Delhi, where they both taught high school for 38 years and raised their two sons. In addition to teaching agriculture and science, Irving supervised the Future Farmers of America Club and served as photographer for the high school yearbook. He also earned master’s degrees at Cornell and SUNY Oneonta.
After retiring from teaching, Irving volunteered as a Master Gardener and was always available to join his grandchildren on school field trips and sporting events, to teach them how to fix or drive just about anything, and serve as their ever-present, ever-loving “Baba.” Irv and his second wife Betty Chien enjoyed many activities together: traveling, gardening, bird watching, chair caning, listening to music, and playing the dulcimer.
Irving is survived by his wife, Betty, his two sons, John and Richard Reed, Betty’s three sons, George, Daniel, and Kelly Chien, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Church in Delhi, on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. A visiting hour with the family will precede the service from 1 to 2 at St John’s. Due to Covid risks attendees are requested to wear masks.
Private burial will take place at Locust Hill Cemetery, Hobart.
Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Bassett Healthcare Andes or Helios Care of Oneonta. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many loving healthcare workers who cared for him through his last years.
Visit www.hallandpeet.com to share a condolence with Irving’s family.
