Charles Fredrick Reese, 72, born in Lewis, Del., moved early in his life to Kennett Square, with his father Harry Eugene, mother Marian, and older brother David.  Once established there, the family opened Reeses’ Pharmacy in the borough, later moving to the new store on Union Street across from Kennett High School.

After attending Kennett Schools, Fred was drafted and proudly served his country in the Navy from 1968-1972 during the Vietnam conflict.  He was a signalman on the destroyer John R. Craig (DD 885) and made two deployments to combat zones in the Pacific.

When he left active duty, Fred returned home to Kennett Square to help care for his severely disabled father, Gene, until he passed in 1973.  Fred felt that God, his Heavenly Father, had preserved his life during his military service to enable him to help care for his father, and later, his mother.  Fred enrolled at West Chester State College and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology.

Fred worked faithfully for many years at the Elwyn Institute in Media, in student support and in the technology department.  Continuing to be led by the Lord and as a result of a medical condition of his own, Fred retired and focused his time and energy on caring for his aging mother until she passed in the summer of 2014.

Like many veterans, Fred was a patriot and cared deeply about America, freedom, and justice.  He supported organizations and causes that promoted independence and liberty.  Throughout his life, Fred acknowledged his need for a Savior and put his hope and trust in the triune God.  He regularly read the Bible and prayed and knew that “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

Fred was predeceased by his parents, and by his brother, David, who passed in February of 2014 as well as a multitude of grandparents, aunts, and uncles from the large Fogg and Reese families.  Fred is survived by his two nieces, Heather Uster and Heidi Reese, and by many cousins, including his life-long best friend, fellow sports fan, and old-movies-enthusiast, Tom Clayton.

“He shall swallow up death forever.  The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth.  The LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 25:8

You may visit with his family and friends from 10:30 to 11:00 on Thursday, December 30, at the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, 415 State Street (Garfield & State Sts.), Kennett Square. His memorial service will follow at 11. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to one of the following in memory of Fred:

The Kennett Education Foundation https://www.kennetteducationfoundation.org/make-a-personal-donation

National Rifle Association 1-877-NRA-GIVE

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square, PA