Ira W. Reed Jr.

IRA W. REED, Jr., 77, died Friday, February

24, 2006, at the Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven, Florida. Ira was born June 14, 1928, in Ithaca, N.Y., he was the son of Elizabeth (Griffin) and Ira Reed Sr. of Varna, NY. Ira graduated from Ithaca High School in 1945 before continuing a family tradition of involvement with Cornell University. Ira’s

father worked at Cornell in the horticulture department for 45 years, so it was not surprising that Ira Jr. enjoyed a 41 year career at the university, retiring as the Poultry and Turkey Farm Manager for the Dept. of Poultry and Avian Science. This Cornell tradition continued as Ira lived to see all three of his sons and two of his grandchildren graduate from Cornell.

As co-founder of Friends of Cornell Basketball, Ira was more than just a fan, he made many student-athletes part of the Reed family while they were away from home. The turkey farm kitchen table was an open house to farm employees, students, professors, friends, and family, 365 days a year for coffee, cards, and conversation. Later in life Ira was truly a dedicated and loyal fan at his two oldest grandchildren’s sporting events. Known for his boisterous support, Ira was not a fair-weather fan but a fixture in the stands.

As past president and lifetime member, holding the rank as Captain, Ira was honored for 50 years of service promoting hunting, fishing, and sportsmanship at the Danby Pirates Club. Because of this lifetime commitment, Ira was appointed to the governors Conservation Fund Advisory Council and to the Sportsman of New York State. Whether it was the Ellis Hollow Fair, the Varna Church or community center, Cornell functions, or family reunions, Ira always cooked the chicken to everyone’s delight. Anyone who knew Ira well appreciated that he always had one more call to make just to say hello, one more racing program to handicap, and it was never a bad night to play cards.

In addition to the 45 years of love and devotion he shared with his wife Beverly Reed, he will be remembered by all of the members of his family for his unconditional love and support.

Ira is survived by his wife Beverly H. Reed of Haines City, FL., sons William L. Reed (Millie) of Ithaca, NY, Robert M. Reed of Winter Springs, FL., and Ira W. Reed III (Cheryl) of East Berlin, Pa. In addition he was a devoted grandfather to Jennifer Ann Reed of Eugene, OR., Christopher William Reed of Rochester, NY, Cassandra Elizabeth Reed, Colton Ira Reed, and Larissa Gabriela Reed, all of East Berlin, PA.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 2, 2006, at the Varna Methodist Church, 965 Dryden Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. Friends are invited to call Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Varna Methodist Church.