Frederick Matfeld Reid

Frederick Matfeld Reid, a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and dedicated serviceman, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 26, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments. Frederick's life was filled with remarkable achievements, cherished moments, and an unwavering commitment to those he held dear.

Born on November 13, 1931, in Bentonville, Arkansas to Joseph Burchell Reid and Lonzia Stewart Reid at the height of the Great Depression.  Due to unfortunate circumstances, Fred and most of his siblings were placed in the Children’s Home of Cincinnati, an orphanage established following the American Civil War for neglected, abandoned, and orphaned children in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He would remain under the care of the benevolent staff for nine years.  This experience remained with him his entire life and laid the foundation for his eventual enlistment in the United States Army in 1947 and his twenty-one years of honorable service.

In 1949, after returning from occupation forces in Germany, he was assigned to the field artillery school at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he met and fell in love with his future bride, JoAnn Golden who was visiting from her home in Kingsland, Arkansas.  Their union lasted 72 years and resulted in five children, twelve grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.  Frederick served in combat in Korea during the height of that war in 1951-52, and in Vietnam in 1966-67.  After twenty-one years of service, he retired from active duty and joined Raytheon Technologies Corporation, where he worked in international sales and logistics for over twenty-three years, retiring in 1993.   Fred and JoAnn bought a small farm in upstate New York near the Vermont border and enjoyed the serene life of simplicity and reflection for twenty-eight years.  JoAnn died peacefully at their home in Eagle Bridge, NY at age 88 in 2021, and Fred moved to Middletown, Maryland to live with his son William and his daughter-in-law Donna Miller Reid.

Frederick had many passions outside of his professional life. He developed a great skill at digitizing and restoring old photographs and soon had converted tens of thousands of photographs from the entire extended family.  He was simultaneously drawn into the world of genealogy and built a database of hundreds of ancestors and over 64 thousand of their descendants throughout the United States—an endeavor that brought him immense fulfillment.

Frederick leaves behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his sons: William J. Reid, Michael E. Reid, and Joseph B. Reid; as well as his grandchildren: Zachary Reid, Stephanie Reid, Matthew Reid, Jaimie Fowler, Christopher Cavanaugh, Jessica Pockey, Melina Flibotte, Katherine Reid, Emily Ofiara, Rebekah Tyler, Daniel Reid, and Michael F. Reid. Their close relationship brought them joy throughout their lives.

Frederick was predeceased by his son James F. Reid, his wife JoAnn Golden Reid, and his daughter Doris Ann Leary.  He was also predeceased by his parents, Joseph Burchell Reid, and Lonzia Stewart Reid; and his siblings Leyman Reid, Doris Reid Guarino, Ernest Reid, Ronald Reid, and Stanley Reid.

The impact Frederick had on the lives of those around him cannot be overstated. He touched many hearts through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Services and Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Date and time to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Children’s Home of Cincinnati (now known as Best Point Education and Behavioral Health) or to a foster home or orphanage near the donor as a tribute to Frederick's selflessness and commitment to giving back.

Frederick's remarkable journey has come to an end here on earth but his spirit will forever shine through the memories he created with those he loved. May he rest in eternal peace knowing that his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by his presence.