Capt. Sullivan W. Reed USN(Ret.) ’54

OWLS HEAD — Captain Sullivan W. ‘Sully’ Reed, 88, surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at the Sussman Hospice House in Rockport.

Born in Rockland, May 25, 1932, he was the son of Carl S. Reed, Sr. and Nellie B. Reed.

He was a Rockland High School graduate and later attended Maine Maritime Academy, graduating fifth in his class with a Bachelor’s Degree in Diesel Engineering in 1954.

Sully served his country proudly and with honor in the US Navy for 31 years. He began on his first ship, the USS Vancouver, as an Engineering Officer. Through dedication and service he earned the rank of Commanding Officer/Captain of the USS Compton out of Boston. His last assignment was the Military Sealift Command Atlantic which took him to Greenland, an experience he was forever proud of. His career also took him to ports in Japan, Turkey and Spain.

A highlight of Sully’s career was when he and his father, Carl S. Reed, stood side by side on the bridge of the USS Compton, when he had the honor of bringing it to his hometown of Owls Head for the town’s 50th
Anniversary.

Sully was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1985 and returned to Owls Head to be with his family and care for his mother, who had cancer. Sully continued to be of caring support and service to several aunts and
uncles.

During retirement, Sully enjoyed over 20 years of annual trips to Hyder, Alaska where he and his wife, Faith, ran ‘Camp Run-a-muck’. While traveling each year, Sully and Faith enjoyed stops along the way, including casinos to try their luck, and to their favorite ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffets where Sully crafted the skill of timing and attention to detail to ensure the freshest and hottest servings.

Sully was extremely proud of his 20 years of sobriety, which he achieved with the support of his family and the help of AA Meetings. Over his years of sobriety, he has sponsored and helped support numerous individuals through the AA organization. He had a quiet strength and no-nonsense attitude which made him an invaluable support to anyone needing help. He will be sorrowfully missed by many in the AA community.

Sully was the cornerstone of his immediate family. He was without fail the captain of his own ship, the ‘Sully Swoop and Save’. His dedication to the care and safety of his family was most ardent and steadfast; his love and dedication will be forever missed, as will all of who he was. His passing leaves an immense hole in the hearts and lives of those who loved him.

Predeceased by a brother Carl Reed, Jr., Mr. Reed is survived by his wife, Faith M. Reed; his daughter, Cindy Pillin and her husband Richard; his grandson, Kevin Blackwell and his wife Rachael, all of Owls Head; his great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Blackwell, Kaleb Blackwell, and Harper Hendrick; his sister, Ann Gustin of Owls Head; his niece and nephews, Mike Gustin of Owls Head, Kathy Fors and her husband Steve of Chelsea, Ted Reed of Rockland, David Reed of Georgetown, Washington DC; as well as a large extended family.

Mr. Reed’s family has chosen to remember his life privately. Cards are welcome in lieu of visits, and may be sent to P.O. Box 68, Owls Head, Maine 04854.

To share a memory or condolence with the Reed family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.