Obituaries

Ralph “Tiny” Reed

UNITY CENTER, NH– Ralph “Tiny” Reed of Unity Center NH came to the end of his road on January 10, 2025.  Fourth son of Albert and Abbie Mann Reed of Unity Center, he arrived on August 14th, 1935. Ralph was born at the Sullivan County Home medical facility, because of this he enjoyed recognition as the “Oldest resident who was born in Unity and still living in Unity”.

He and his three brothers grew up on the north side of the street in Unity Center. Ralph stayed there his whole life, only moving across the street to his grandparents’ place next to the Town Hall. He was pleased to round out his years, 89 years later at the place he was born, the Sullivan County Home.

Ralph was preceded in death by his treasured Margaret Hartwell Clark, brothers Charles Reed and Frank Reed, and nephew Jimmy Reed.

Ralph is survived by his brother Ed and his wife Barbara Reed, their children Lori Schrepfer of North Hampton, NH, James and Rachel Schrepfer and daughter Sophia of Hope Mills NC, Mark Schrepfer of Allenstown NH, Kathryn and Brad Kelly of Mauldin SC. Margery Reed of North Charlestown NH and her children, John and Michelle Reed of Claremont, Sue Reed of Hanover NH. MaryEllen Reed of Claremont, NH and her children

Scott and Katie Reed of Claremont NH, Jeffrey and Meagan Reed and their daughters Molly and Emma of Sunapee NH. Ronnie and Phyllis Clark of Lempster NH and their children Beth Clark-Moulton; Joe Moulton of Lempster and daughters Sydney Mckenzie, Troy and Melissa Clark of Lowville NY and their sons Matt and Sam. Cousin June Merriam Caster of Murrieta CA.

He grew up helping his grandparents Frank and Carrie Whitney Reed with their farm and blueberry lot, and with his folks’ small farm. Ralph went to Unity School through 8th grade, then Stevens HS in Claremont, graduating in 1953. He followed his brothers into mechanical occupations as a heavy equipment operator starting with Fred Carmen in Alstead, NH. For decades Tiny worked as a driver for O.H. Lewis in Claremont and Johnson & Dix in Lebanon, driving gasoline tankers from Boston and Portland 10 times a week to supply the Upper Valley. He safely drove those trucks over 2 million miles.

Ralph started going to Tunbridge Fair at 16 and said he “survived 69 years” of the fair. He hinted at some wild escapades and loved going to get fresh cider from the Antique Hill press.

Margaret and Ralph met at a dance and built a life together. They supported all their family from the old folks, to the fun excursions with many nephews, nieces and grandkids. They joined several antique tractor clubs, competing at fairs and parades with his John Deere. He was a frequent visitor at Reed Truck Services, run by his brother and then nephew since 1959. Tiny enjoyed junkets to upstate NY to visit Margaret’s grandson or just to go to a favorite diner for breakfast with a fellow driver.

In later years their garage facing the Town Hall became a hospitable gathering place for friends, from childhood through new folks just moved to town, joined by family on Old Home Day. The stories and photos shared there were a mix of family history, vehicle repairs, and tall tales of the old days in Unity.

Thanks to Valley Regional Hospital, Dartmouth Health, the Sullivan County Home and Lake Sunapee VNA and Hospice Care for the kind care they gave Mr. Reed throughout his life, particularly these last months in his period of declining health. And thanks to the many family, friends and neighbors who visited with Ralph over the years right to his last days.

A service will be held later this year in Unity, NH.

Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.