Robert Jerome Reed

Robert Jerome Reed, age 57, transitioned from this life to the next on Wednesday, July 5th , 2023, at Ohio State East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Robert, known as “Romie” to family, “Jerome” to a host of friends, and “Rob” to many more, was born on April 24, 1966, at St. Joseph Hospital, in Lorain, Ohio, to the proud parents of Shirley Diane Golden and Robert Jerry Reed. Robert was the first of many milestone family occurrences: he was the first born, the first grandchild, and the first nephew.

Robert attended Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools and graduated from Brookside High School in 1984. Immediately after graduation, Robert went on to attend Urbana University on a baseball scholarship and studied Marketing and Communications for several years before choosing another direction just prior to graduation.

Robert was employed at Renewit! Home Improvements for many years, where he was the number one sales representative for many of those years. Just recently,
Robert took his sales talent to Ultimate Asphalt & Sealcoating, a family business started by his baby brother Daryl, and helped catapult the business to even greater success.

“Romie”, affectionately called by his grandmother Virginia Golden, was a kind and attentive child eager to learn, love, and live. Romie’s eyes sparkled with promise as he grew into Jerome. “Jerome” was the big brother, cool cousin, and best friend. Jerome was a leader. He never met a stranger, was generous and kind beyond measure, driven to succeed, and sought adventure at every turn.

“Rob”…the father, grandfather, companion, co-worker and friend…was the funniest self-proclaimed “professional angler”, retired sports Hall of Famer, and
Master Outdoorsman. Rob was also a master salesman with the gift of gab. And, Rob was an author– Rob shared his time, and Rob shared his story.

Robert leaves to cherish his memories: longtime companion and fiancé, Kellie Caplinger, Columbus, Ohio; his daughter, Porsha Woods, Columbus, Ohio, and
three sons, Brogan Jules Dunlap-Reed, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Bobby Reed, Jr., Holgate, Ohio and Miles Jerome Reed, St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren Jaylen Smith, and Darius Reed; his stepfather, Hardy (Tanora) Whitfield who, with Robert’s mother, Shirley, raised him after Jerry’s passing, Elyria, Ohio; his sister, Stephanie (Eric) Payne, Willoughby, Ohio; his brother, Daryl Whitfield, Gahanna, Ohio; his niece, Alexus Whitfield, his two nephews, Darius and Darek Whitfield, and a great-nephew, Mason Vines.

Robert also leaves behind a host of bonus children and grandchildren he shared with his fiancé, Kellie: children, Gary, Sheena, Chaselun and Shayne, and
grandchildren: Jacob, Abreanna, Mackenzie, Kyndrah and Sicario Lucci. Robert also leaves behind many other loving relatives and friends, all of whom he
treasured for loving and supporting him.

Robert was preceded in death by both parents, Shirley Diane Golden and Robert Jerry Reed and both his maternal grandparents, John and Virginia Golden,
paternal grandparents, Roosevelt and Alice Reed, as well as several aunts and uncles, maternal and paternal.

May all those gone before him be standing to welcome him with open arms.

Visitation 3:00 PM and Memorial Service 4:00 PM Sunday, July 23, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 East Livingston Ave. Offer Condolence for the family of Robert Jerome Reed Print Obituary & Condolences