Tolland Obituary: Robert Reid, 73

From Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home:

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert “Tiny” Shearer Reid, 73 of Tolland, devoted husband of 50 years to Peggy (Buckley) Reid, announces his passing on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Rockville General Hospital.

Tiny was born in Manchester to the late Raymond and Viola (Shearer) Reid. He attended Manchester Public Schools and graduated from Wilbraham Monson Academy in Monson, Massachusetts. A few years after high school, he met Peggy, the love of his life, and moved with her to Tolland to start their family.

Tiny retired from National Speed Center in Manchester after working tirelessly his whole life in the automotive parts industry. His greatest passion was anything and everything automotive. As a member of the Ty-Rods Auto Club, Tiny was most proud of having an idea to start a swap meet with the help of Brian “Signs” Frederick, which has become the annual fall and spring Ty-Rods All Automotive Swap Meet at the Stafford Motor Speedway. What Peggy would describe as junk, Tiny would affectionately call “Vintage Tin”. He loved working in his garage, sorting and cataloging his auto parts, and traveling to various swap meets with friends to see what treasures he could find. He also liked to watch drag racing and NASCAR.

Besides his interest in the automotive field, Tiny enjoyed the happiness of others. He used to dress up as Santa Claus during the holidays, bringing joy to many children. He enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles, as well as watching Jeopardy and American Pickers. Tiny was also a member of the Italian American Friendship Club in Tolland.

Along with his beloved wife Peggy, Tiny leaves his daughter Robin Reid of Tolland; his son Mark Reid and his wife Debbie of Stafford Springs; his daughter Beth Ann Lewis and her husband Michael of Vernon; his sister Marjorie Martin and her husband Richard of Bolton; a close family friend who he referred to as his “daughter”, Michele Hyjek and her husband Gary of Ellington; his adored grandchildren Reid and Ryan Vokey, Kyle, Lindsay and Matthew Reid and Brooke Lewis; his nephew Reid Martin and his wife Sara as well as their daughter Stella of Georgia; his godson Dominic DeCarli and his brother Dion both of New Hampshire; and many other family and friends.

Tiny’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Frank and Linda Tantillo and family for all of their love and support, National Speed Center, Rockville General Hospital ICU and Bissell II, Fox Hill Nursing Home, and Visiting Nurses.

Calling hours will be held at Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road, Vernon, on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM with a memorial service starting at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tiny’s name may be made to The Tolland Volunteer Fire Department Inc. at P. O. Box 827, Tolland, CT 06084 or Kidsafe CT, 19 Elm Street, Rockville, CT 06066.

For online condolences and directions, please visit www.CarmonFuneralHome.com.