“True love stories never have endings.” ~Richard Bach

FRANKLIN – Albert W. Reed, 86, of Strong, died surrounded by loved ones Friday night at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, & friend: Albert Reed was cherished by many and will be deeply missed.

Albert was born April 21, 1918 in Phillips, Maine. He graduated from Strong High School in 1936 and married Rowena Huff at the Strong Methodist Church Parsonage on June 21, 1938.

Albert served in the U.S. Navy as a Gunners Mate, 2nd Class, earning a Pacific Arena Bronze Star.

Albert worked for a time for Strong Wood Turning, then after receiving training through a correspondence course, became a machinist and worked for Forster Manufacturing for 38 years. After leaving Foster’s, he worked for Strong Wood Products, retiring after 6 years.

Believing strongly in dedication to others, Albert belonged to many community organizations over the years including the Johnson Cox American Legion Post 4 (serving as Commander in 1952), the Aurora Grange, the Blue Mt. Lodge of Free Masons, the Sandy River Riders ATV Club, the Strong United Methodist Church (former treasurer), and the West Freeman Cemetery Association (trustee).

Albert is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Rowena Huff Reed; his three children and their spouses; Delbert and Nanette Reed, Elaine and Lendell Allen, Gilbert and Joan Reed, all of Strong; his sister, Barbara and her husband, Harry Allen, of Connecticut.

He leaves behind a legacy of 14 adoring grandchildren; Karen, Sharen, Jeff, Lendell, Kevin, Darren, Matthew, Sabrina, Bryan, Joel, Mandy, Nicole, Elizabeth and Adam; and 21 amazing great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Austin Reed, Marguerite Kinney, Kinney, and Mable Reed; and three sisters, Harriet Ellis, Hope Huff and Madeline McCourt.

For the mittens, cradles, rockers, root beer, hunting, hobo stories, bear traps, cribbage hands and trucks…

For “Froggie’ Went a’ Courtin’,” “Jolly Ole’ Farmer,” and “Strawberry Roan…”

For gardening, haying, family reunions and public speaking…

For your patriotism, generosity, fishing, driving lessons, story-telling, ambition, honor, duty and love…

For these and many more reasons we love you – now and forever.