Joseph Young Reeves

Joseph Y. Reeves passed peacefully at home on March 20, 2025 (just shy of his 95th birthday), surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy Trent Reeves, and by his treasured sisters: Gerty (Sister Anita Joseph), Hetsy, and Maggie. He had many nieces and nephews whom he cherished deeply, as they reminded him of his beloved sisters.

He is survived by his children:
Keith Reeves (Geoffrey Rohrs), Cathy Reeves Gorman Rose (Chad Rose), Joseph Reeves Jr. (Colleen Reeves), and Richard Reeves.

Grandchildren:
Matthew, Timothy, and Patrick Gorman; Ryan and Kelly Reeves; Brian, Steven, and Michael Reeves

Great-grandchildren:
Maddie and Ben Gorman; Alithia, Willow, and Raelynn Gorman; Josephine and Grace Gorman; Angelina Reeves; Cooper and Hunter Kosteczkos; Brinley Reeves

Joe was born on March 28, 1930, in Washington, D.C., to Gertrude and Joseph Y. Reeves Sr. As the youngest of four with three older sisters, his childhood was filled with shenanigans and joyful memories that became cherished family lore for generations. He attended Catholic schools, beginning with Blessed Sacrament in D.C., then Gonzaga High School. Due to some youthful mischief, Gertrude sent Joe to Valley Forge Military Academy, which sparked his lifelong love for the military and devotion to the United States of America.

After graduating from Valley Forge, Joe attended Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and joined the Air Force ROTC program. During this time, he met and fell in love with Nancy Trent. They married immediately after his graduation and embarked on a life of travel and adventure, moving frequently for Joe’s military service and his later career with General Foods. Joe earned the rank of Captain.

During the KoreanWar, Joe and Nancy traveled to Florida and Texas for flight training, where Joe became a fighter pilot. He was later stationed in Tokyo, serving as an auditor for the U.S. Air Force during Japan’s post-WWII rebuilding. Their eldest son, Joe Jr., was born during this time, and Nancy joined him in Tokyo — though she wasn’t particularly fond of the location. After his honorable discharge and forming lifelong friendships in Tokyo, Joe and Nancy returned to the U.S., settling in Syracuse, NY. There, Joe worked for GE as an accountant, and their daughter Cathy and son Richard were born.

Joe then accepted a position with General Foods working on the Maxwell House Coffee brand, and the family relocated to Maplewood, NJ — marking the beginning of a 30-year career with the company. Lifelong friendships were once again forged, and their youngest son, Keith, was born. Their family was complete.

General Foods took the family to New Jersey, Chicago, and eventually Rockland County, NY. Joe remained at the company’s headquarters in White Plains, working in finance and corporate benefits. Nancy, determined not to move again, got her wish. Joe also became one of the first “computer geeks,” teaching accounting systems at the local community college.

Deeply committed to his faith, Joe was active at St. Anthony’s Church in Nanuet, NY, serving as an usher, lector, Eucharistic minister (one of the first in the country), and a member of both the Nocturnal Adoration Society and the Knights of Columbus. Joe and Nancy dedicated their lives to service to God and community.

Joe and Nancy loved to entertain. Joe was an exceptional host, known for his humor, warmth, and endless stories. He never said no to a Budweiser or a good seat at the bar.

Every summer, Joe would take the family to his sister and brother-in-law Maggie and Ed’s summer home on the Elk River — “Shalom.” These vacations were some of his favorite times, filled with boat rides, fishing, water skiing, crabs on the picnic table, and cold Budweisers at the ready. The memories, laughter, and celebrations from these trips remain legendary.

After retiring from General Foods, Joe and Nancy moved to the Poconos, Pennsylvania, and became active members of Queen of Peace Parish, where they made more lifelong friends. Joe took up skiing, worked on his golf game, and cherished every moment with his growing family. His grandchildren adored their “Pop,” and his great-grandchildren loved their “Poppy.”

In retirement, Joe started a second career at the Catholic girls’ school, Lourdesmont in Scranton, PA, serving as the controller for a school supporting troubled girls. He finally retired from corporate life at the age of 77.

Joe always stayed busy with his hobbies, which included working on cars and all electroncs, astronomy, cooking, weather (he even built a weathervane in the yard — much to Nancy’s chagrin), building models of his treasured military airplcraft, painting, and always, making people laugh. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 196 in Milford, Connecticut and was celebrated with the Quilt of Valor by the VFW of Little River, North Carolina.

After Nancy’s passing, Joe moved to Warwick, NY, he felt a call to service once again, beginning a ministry of driving neighbors to dialysis and doctors’ appointments. Even during COVID, Joe continued — despite family concerns — insisting on helping others.

At 92, Joe relocated with Keith and Geoff to warmer climates in Carolina Shores. There, he enjoyed warm weather, a loving home, and once again, formed new friendships with everyone especially his amazing neighbors.

Joe will be deeply missed but is now reunited with his beloved Nancy. He will be interred with her and his parents at Arlington National Cemetery. The man, the myth, the legend lives on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all who were touched by his love, humor, and generosity.

This is our final salute to you, Joe… Dad… Poppy.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday April 3, 2025 at 10am at St. Brendan Church, 5105 Ocean Hwy W, Shallotte, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Liberty Hospice,  would be appreciated: Liberty Hospice, 1120 Ocean Highway West Supply, NC 28462.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.