Ilion - On June 23, 2026, 94 years young, the patriarch of our Reed clan was called home, slipping away peacefully in his sleep.

Rocky, or "Bud" to many of his oldest friends, was a man of eclectic tastes, insatiable curiosity, adventurous spirit and above all, unwavering devotion to his family. He is survived by his beloved bride of 73 years, Patricia Reed of Ilion; son, Patrick of Ilion; son, Michael of San Antonio; and daughter, Kathleen (Reed) Armstrong of Richfield Springs, NY, as well as 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

An accomplished musician, Rocky's many musical pursuits led him to meet and befriend many across the globe. It seemed he could go nowhere without someone knowing him! To name but a few: The U.S. Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps; The Utica Blackhawks Drum and Bugle Corps; 75 years with The Remington Rand/Ilion Vets Band (later the Ilion Civic Band); more than 60 years with La Banda Rosa; the Ziyara Shriner's Band; the Utica Opera Guild; famed dance band The Mohicans; The Valley Voices for Christ; and innumerable other musical endeavors.

Rocky retired as a Rural Letter Carrier with the U.S. Post Office after 30 years of service, forging many lifelong friendships and creating cherished memories for generations of children who eagerly awaited "Rocky" and their mail! His many stories of the perils and adventures of delivering mail to Upstate New York dairy country during the 1960s and 1970s could easily convert to a best-selling book!

The consummate family man, Rocky always putting his family before himself, he reveled in taking them on many camping and canoeing trips from the Adirondacks to the Great Smoky Mountains. An almost three-month trip across the US, up the West Coast to Alaska and back via the Al-Can Highway (1,500 miles of dirt road at the time!) remains a crowning achievement that is still talked about today. Where he found time to also teach us the art of making maple syrup, apple cider, crafting sausage and sauerkraut, taking yearly excursions for ramps, mushrooms, frog legs, and passing along his outdoor and hunting skills will remain a mystery!

Living a life of service, Rocky devoted his many talents and interests to his community. He served for 62 years as the pianist/music director of the North Columbia Methodist Church; sang with the North Columbia Methodist Gospel Quartet; spent 25 years with the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster, Wood Badge graduate and leader; served for more than 20 years as a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hunter Safety educator; was a founding member of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter; and was a member of the Ilion Masonic Lodge for 65 years. An avid reader in his lifelong quest for knowledge, he amassed an extensive personal library and maintained what could only be described as a 26-magazine-per-month addiction!

He and his wife, Pat, traveled extensively with friends and family, culminating in hosting their entire family of 13 for several weeks in the United Kingdom. Rocky's love of the outdoors also led him on many diverse and far-ranging hunts, camping and canoeing adventures with lifelong friends who grew to be as family to him.

His life of "giving back" continued to the very end, concluding with his generous donation of his mortal remains to SUNY Medical research in Syracuse. Donation arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357.

Rocky's music, generosity and love for family will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family welcomes any anecdotes you may wish to share.

On October 16, 2026, a memorial service will be held at the Jesus Never Fails Church at 12:00 noon, followed by a celebration of Rocky's life from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Matteson Hotel in beautiful downtown Cedarville, featuring Fritz's Polka Band!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jesus Never Fails Community Church. Contact: 315-868-5732.

To leave condolences for Rocky's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com