Leonard F.B. Reed

Leonard F. B. Reed — devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather— passed away on March 5th, 2026 surrounded by family.

Born December 9, 1931 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Len was the beloved son of Leonard and Annabelle Reed. After graduating from Chicago’s Loyola Academy in 1949, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, beginning a lifelong journey defined by service, curiosity, and integrity. Upon his graduation in 1954, Len was commissioned as a second lieutenant and went on to serve 24 years in the U.S. Army.

His career took him across the world — from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to teaching history at West Point, and serving overseas in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam. Len was decorated for his courage in combat and excellence in peacetime service alike. He wore with pride both Parachute Wings and the Ranger Tab. He concluded his military career at the Pentagon, where he served as the Army’s spokesperson in the Office of Information. Just a month ago, he was honored with a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his service and dedication.

After retiring from the Army, Len brought his leadership and energy to the civilian world, first as Director of Public Affairs for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, advising the Bishop. Fulfilling a dream in 1979, Len moved to New Hampshire, where he and Joan settled in the Bethlehem. This would become home for the rest of his life. He worked at Littleton Hospital before joining the Tendor Corporation — the entrepreneurial venture behind After Bite — then went on to create Len Reed & Company, a marketing and development firm serving the hospitality industry.

Len poured his energy and optimism into his community as well. He founded the Bethlehem Redevelopment Association, laying the foundation for the thriving, creative town Bethlehem is today — a far cry from the one blinking light it had when he arrived. Among his proudest local achievements was leading the revitalization of The Colonial Theatre, transforming it into a cultural centerpiece that continues to bring art, film, and live performance to the North Country. His passion for progress was matched only by his kindness and belief in the goodness of people.

Len will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his curiosity, and his ability to make anyone feel heard and valued. His genuine warmth and interest embraced everyone he met — he truly never met a stranger. Guided always by his lifelong principles of duty, honor, and country, Len lived every day with purpose and heart, and a faith strong and mighty.

Len is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Joan, their children Kathie (Mark) McKain,

Deb Reed (Carol Leech), Tim (Basak) Reed, and Beth (Dodge) Bingham; grandchildren Alyssa, Jillian, Hartley, Reed, Cole, Sarah, Olivia, Wilson, Iris, and Aydin; and great-grandchildren Joanie and Hugo; his sister Virginia Charbonneau’s (deceased) children Robert, Jean and Louise — each the recipient of his boundless love and pride.

A longtime member of St. Rose of Lima Church, 82 High St., Littleton, NH, funeral services for Len will be held there on Thursday March 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The North Country Chamber Players

(https://northcountrychamberplayers.org/donations/)

The Catholic Charities

(https://www.cc-nh.org/ways-to-give/donate/)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.