Mastella Clarke Reed Jr.

M. Clarke Reed, Jr., 89, of Easton, MD, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2014. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he moved with his family to Baltimore in 1941. At the age of 17, Clarke enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Radioman and served honorably until the cessation of hostilities. He attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute prior to his service and Loyola College in Baltimore after his discharge. His fierce independence, entrepreneurial spirit, and unflappable zest for life led him to numerous businesses and hobbies. He was employed as a salesman for many years, as well as opening his own businesses as a kitchen dealer, manufacturer of cabinets and countertops, solar heating designer, manufacturer and dealer, and as a restaurateur. He moved from Glyndon, MD, to Town Point outside of Cambridge, MD, in 1975. His passion for decoys led him to travel widely, eventually becoming the editor and publisher of Decoy World magazine. His many other interests included Italian sports cars and racing, scuba diving, offshore and inshore fishing, waterfowling, fine antiques, fine food, wine, and cigars. He also traveled to the wilds of Central America several times to engage his interest in Mayan culture and ruins. He was active within the Hispanic community in Easton, and served as interpreter for the Italian craftsmen during the construction of the new Catholic Church in Easton. He made fast friends wherever he roamed, and his infectious enthusiasm and sharp wit will be greatly missed and warmly remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jane Schwarz Reed, by their seven children, Ali Quillen, Clarke III, John, Patty, Bob and Tom Reed, and Beth Ann Boone; 13 grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren, and by five nephews from his deceased sister, Alice Reed Kaestner. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Edna Cross Reed and M. Clarke Reed, Sr. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Easton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2014. Fellowship will take place at the church following the service. Contributions in his name may be made to the Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601.

Mastella Clarke Reed Jr.

February 17, 1925 - August 8, 2014