In Memoriam: Samuel Reed
Samuel Reed (April 27, 1935 - July 30, 2024)
In the mercy of Almighty God, Samuel (Sam) Reed died yesterday morning, July 30th, peacefully in his sleep. Sam joined Saint Peter’s in 2005 after meeting and marrying his beloved wife, Fran (Williams) Reed. Fran cared for Sam at home these last few years, and as dementia continued to progress, tirelessly worked to secure memory care for him not too far from their home in Riverdale. Their routine in greeting one another – the most loving and heartfelt of exchanges I’ve ever witnessed – continued to convey the nature of their loving relationship to him even as his memory faded. Sam’s buoyant spirit and charming personality also endured.
The son of Charles Gadsden and Martha Jenkins, Sam was born in Charleston, South Carolina. A few years ago, Sam and Fran took a trip to Charleston and the outlying sea islands. They explored Sam’s Gullah heritage and returned with stories of having been hosted with extraordinary hospitality and honored as a living legend.
Sam came to New York City for college and never left. His long and illustrious career as an advertising Creative Director culminated in becoming Senior Vice President and Principal of a leading Black-owned agency, where he developed brands and launched products for several Fortune 500 companies. Sam won every major national and international creative accolade including three Clio Awards, the Oscars of the communications industry. He served as visiting professor at Rochester Institute of Technology and as adjunct instructor at Gibbs College.
A collector of African art, works by Black artists, vintage jazz posters, mid-century modern furniture and jazz recordings, Sam shared his passions, his knowledge and his experience readily with others. He was a long-time member of the Saint Peter’s Design Committee and the Jazz Commission. He served as a trustee at Lehman College Art Gallery.
Those who have come to know Fran and Sam in this place know that their marriage created a marvelous family, even larger and more loving than can be imagined. Sam’s funeral will be an opportunity to greet those most close to their hearts, and together, celebrate the life and faith of a person beloved to so many.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Saint Peter’s on Saturday, August 10 at 10:00 a.m., with a viewing hour beginning at 9:00 a.m. Sam will be buried next to his first wife, the late Eunice Reed, with whom he raised two sons, Douglas and Kemet, at 12:30 p.m. in Greenwich, CT. A repass will be held at Saint Peter’s from 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. Friends, family and members of Saint Peter’s are welcome.
As you hold Sam and Fran in your heart in these days, I invite you to pray this prayer confident in its promise:
Sam, our brother in the faith, we entrust you to God who created you.
May you return to the one who formed us out of the dust of the earth.
Surrounded by the angels and triumphant saints,
may Christ come to meet you as you go forth from this life.
Christ, the Lord of glory, who was crucified for you,
bring you freedom and peace.
Christ, the High Priest, who has forgiven all your sins,
keep you among his people.
Christ, the Son of God, who died for you,
show you the glories of his eternal kingdom.
Christ, the Good Shepherd, enfold you with his tender care.
May you see your redeemer face to face and rejoice in God’s presence forever. Amen.