Edward J. Reader, Sr., 99, of Manchester, TN went to be with the Lord and his heavenly family on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Originally from Rome, NY he was the son of the late Harrison and Irene Mullin Reader and one of eight siblings who have all preceded him. (Edna, Morris, Don, Jim, Stan, Gerald and Geraldine). He was preceded by his wife, Rollande “Ronnie” Reader of 64 years in 2014. He was also preceded by his close friend, Jean Pressley, of Manchester, TN in 2022.
Mr. Reader is survived by his son, Edward J. Reader, Jr. and his wife, Linda of Manchester, TN; two granddaughters, Cynthia Reader Zubia and Stephanie (Patrick) Wise; one great-grandchild, Connor Wise of Murfreesboro, TN ; one close niece, Eleanor Palmieri of Richland Hills, TX, along with several other relatives (nieces, nephews, cousins) across the US.
Mr. Reader served this country in WWII and was a Gunner/Engineer on B17 Bomber in Europe. He was shot down, wounded (Purple Heart) and taken as POW. He was liberated and returned to the states. Mr. Reader remained a life member of the VFW for over 76 years. He was a member of VFW Post 10904, and Manchester for the last 7 years of his life, he was a regular at all events and meetings. He also was a life member of the American Legion and a member of the DAV.
During his working years, he is primarily known for working at Oneida National Bank- Mohawk Acres- Rome, NY. He was a resident of Floyd, NY and became a founding member of the Floyd Volunteer Fire Department. He was active in all aspects of the Fire Department, including fighting fires, running snow cone booth at field days, and holding several key offices. Always active in his community, he was the recipient of the Stephen Moulton Award for his community service in Floyd, NY. Avoiding hard work was not in his vocabulary. He delivered local papers to as many as 200+ rural residents of Floyd for years, rain or snow, all before going to his day job at the bank.
For relaxation, Mr. Reader enjoyed bowling and horseshoes. He was an avid member of the Floyd Horseshoe Club and bowled in several leagues at King Pin Lanes over the years. As he got older, retired and moved south, he took up cornhole and became a lover of the game.
A special thank you to Adoration Health and Hospice, and McArthur manor for the wonderful loving care of my dad over the last year. I know he touched many hearts, we could have not managed without any of you.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to either The Floyd Volunteer Fire Department- Floyd, NY or VFW Post 10904, Manchester, TN.
Visitation will be held on April 21, 2023 from 1:00PM- 2:00PM. Following will be a funeral service at 2:00PM with Deacon Pete Semich officiating, at Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
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