Stephen Dillon Reed

Stephen Dillon Reed, 70, of Naples, FL, died in Boston on August 19th surrounded in love by his family. Aware of his impending death after a valiant and years-long battle with cancer, Stephen -- razor-sharp, even as his body failed him -- was able to receive and reciprocate the love and support of family and friends in his final days.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Gloria Eng, his sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher (Mary) of Denver, CO and Brian (Susan Saas) of Pelham, NY, the grandchildren he adored (Elinore, Robinson and Kelly), his sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol Naill (Roger) of Arlington, VA and Barbara Mason (Paul) of Stonyhurst, England, his step-brother, Jack Riley, Jr. of Brewster, NY, his step-sister Susan Westrell of Southbury, CT, and many uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and their families with whom he made great efforts to always stay connected. He is also survived by his first wife, Lorraine Lavin Reed of Pelham, NY. He is preceded in death by his father Raymond Reed, mother Joan Reed Riley and step-father John "Jack" Riley Jr.

After graduating from Georgetown University, Stephen attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business before joining CBS to pursue two businesses he loved: TV and records. Within two years he moved to the CBS Records Division and spent the next ten years in music before returning to TV with his start-up, SDR Films. There he televised concerts and produced artist documentaries, which allowed him to pursue something near and dear to his heart: presenting music and musicians to fans everywhere.

As a producer and director, Stephen enjoyed working with outstanding artists: Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall, Michael Jackson, Pat Metheny, John Mellencamp, Dave Brubeck, Sade, BB King, and The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.

SDR Films televised the legendary Newport Jazz Festival on PBS for ten years including its 50th Anniversary celebration. Stephen's TV production “An Evening with Lena Horne” resulted in a Grammy winning live album. He also received commendations from the United Nations and the U.S. Congress for his production of the anti-apartheid all-star video “Sun City, “directed by Oscar winner Jonathan Demme.

In 2008, Stephen took on another project of personal concern when he co-founded the Honolulu-based Blue Planet Foundation, and was executive producer of the initial Blue Planet Summit on transforming Hawaii into a clean energy model for the world. The summit included a TV special for PBS. Participants included Hawaii’s governor, its two U.S. senators, Nobel Laureate Dr. Stephen Schneider, the U.S. Departments of Energy and State, GE, Lockheed, The Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the New York Times. In 2015, Hawaii became the first state to commit to achieving the goal of 100 percent clean and renewable energy.

After moving to Naples, Stephen -- ever the master planner, organizer and networker -- became active in the home owners’ association of The Dunes, of Naples where he lived. In 2019,The Dunes completed a $9.2 million Amenities Center renovation and expansion project. Stephen was the early proponent for this new coastal-themed Center.

Stephen’s communications skills were legendary, allowing him to build and sustain deep relationships with friends, business associates, and entertainers. He was a passionate sports fan whose New York roots led to his lifelong support of the Yankees and Jets, no matter where in the world he lived. Stephen also kept close tabs on his beloved Georgetown Hoyas basketball team, wryly commenting as Sir Saxa on the team’s message board.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 10 from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 11 at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 84 Sherwood Avenue, Greenwich, CT.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Stephen to support scholarships at Georgetown University, 2115 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20007 or online at giving.georgetown.edu.