Growing up on the St Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay, he played baseball and hockey, in addition to achieving Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Enlisting in the Army 10 days before his 18th birthday he told the Army that he could ski, which landed him in the 10th Mountain Division in Northern Italy. Lewis earned a Purple Heart from a Fascist bullet, and President Truman’s decisiveness saved him from being redeployed to fight in the Pacific.
Attending Clarkson University for Electrical Engineering. Member of Lambda Iota Fraternity. Lewis got his Professional Engineering License, eventually forming his own sales engineering firm as President, Cook & Reid, Inc. A Life member of American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, and universally respected in his profession by his peers.
Married to his childhood sweetheart, M. Elaine Root in 1948, the union produced three children; Ralph L. Reid II, Lawrence D. Reid, and Veronica L. Reid (French) resulting in five Grandchildren; Ethan Johanns, Evan Johanns, Jacob French, Amelia Bozek, and Adrian Bozek. Lewis lived as an incredibly selfless Father and Husband, enjoying golf and being on the water. Predeceased by his devoted wife, Elaine, Lewis dedicated his energy to the Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, and volunteer work in the community of Skaneateles.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 13th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 14th at 11am at the Presbyterian Church, Skaneateles. Interment is Monday, July 16th at the Riverside Cemetery, Wellesley Island, at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Honor Flight, the Presbyterian Church or the Masonic Home will all be appreciated. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.