Donald James Reed

It is with deep sorrow, sadness and profound respect that we announce the passing of Donald James Reed, "Don", who departed from this life on August 24, 2026 at Sterling Hillhaven Nursing Home in Adelphi, Maryland. He was 100 years old, born on July 5, 1926, in Dudley Pa. Don was.one of 13 children. Don served as a Staff Sergeant, Company, C, 1304th Engineering, Army of the United States during World War II for two years.

Don was the son of William Reed and Theresa Ritta McPhillips. who instilled in him the values of diligence, perseverance, commitment and strong work ethic throughout his life. He worked during his high school days and after World War II for the W.W. Reed Coal Company, a family-owned coal mining business. Don's duties included pumping water and transporting the canaries to the mines in order to check the safety of the methane gases in the mines to determine the safety working environment for the coal miners.

Before refrigeration was invented, Don also worked at his father's ice delivery business. Don's work responsibility included cutting blocks of ice from the lake to store the ice at the Dams Ice Plant. Don would later ship the ice to the neighboring towns, Altoona, Huntington and Pittsburgh Pa. by train, The Penn Railroad.

Later in life Donald and his Brother-in-Law, Joseph Scarcia established a successful concrete business together for over 50 years pouring concrete throughout the Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania area.

Donald married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jean Scarcia, who he shared 60 years with and moved to Maryland and started his family. They had three sons James William, John Keith and Robert Patrick.

Don's legacy of love and wisdom leaves behind is carried forward by his sons, two daughters in laws and four grandchildren, Shannon, Cameron, Joseph and predeceased grandson Donald James Reed II, who brought immense joy into his life. His memory will also be cherished by several nieces, nephews, other relatives, countless friends and people who had the privilege of knowing him.

Donald developed a very close caring relationship with his next-door neighbor William Cenac, a very religious and dear friend.