Robert Ewen Reid

Robert Ewen “Bob” Reid passed away on August 19, 2026, at the age of 83, following a long illness and complications from lung disease, with his loving wife of 58 years by his side.

Bob was born on May 26, 1943, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada, to Roy X. Reid and Ruth E. Reid. He later made the United States his home and proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1965.

During the Vietnam War, Bob served in the United States Army Reserve as a pay specialist. He was assigned to units in Kingston and Schenectady, proudly serving his country while continuing to build his life and career at home.

He attended SUNY Cobleskill, earning an associate degree in accounting, and later the University at Albany, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He went on to obtain his CPA license and established his own successful practice. As a sole practitioner, he built a long career through hard work, independence, and dedication to the clients he served over the years.

Bob was an avid sports fan and a devoted supporter of UAlbany athletics. For many years, he held season tickets to UAlbany football and basketball games and especially enjoyed attending games with his grandchildren as well as longtime friends dating back to his college years. He was also a well-known and enthusiastic supporter of the UAlbany women’s volleyball team.

Travel provided Bob and Carol with many treasured memories throughout their years together. In the early years of their marriage, their travels often centered around family, including visits to Bob’s parents, Roy and Ruth, and Ruth’s mother, Marguerite Bethune. Trips back to Bob’s beloved Nova Scotia began with their honeymoon and continued throughout his life. Those visits renewed Bob each time and kept strong ties to New Glasgow, where he attended his first two years of high school; Pictou, where he spent his elementary school years; and Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, where both his parents were born.

As their family grew, Bob and Carol enjoyed post-tax-season vacations with Andrea at Caribbean resorts. After Andrea left for college, Bob and Carol continued to explore the Caribbean together, including several cruises.

One of Bob’s greatest passions was automobiles, particularly his beloved 1974 De Tomaso Pantera. Owning the Pantera opened the door to a community of friends and experiences that became an important part of Bob and Carol’s lives for many years. They traveled to local car shows as well as events throughout Pennsylvania, New England, and beyond. Long-distance Pantera events took them to Las Vegas and Reno, as well as destinations in Arizona, California, and Texas.

After retiring, Bob and Carol became part of the organizing committee for the annual Fun Rally, a national convention for Pantera owners and enthusiasts of other DeTomaso automobiles. Bob’s passion for the marque also took him to northern Italy, where he served as a liaison for an international event in the Modena area, home to many of Italy’s renowned exotic automobile manufacturers. He helped recruit members of the Pantera Owners Club of America to attend, and POCA members filled their own bus for the memorable trip through Italy. For Bob, the Pantera was much more than a car; it was a gateway to friendships, travel, and experiences that enriched his life for decades.

Bob was an active participant in his community and in organizations that reflected his many interests. He was an officer and member of Alpha Pi Alpha fraternity, the Pantera Club of America, Pantera Owners of New England, the Rotterdam Kiwanis Club, the Schenectady Kiwanis Club, and the Schenectady Model Railroad Club. Through these organizations, Bob formed lasting friendships and enjoyed opportunities for fellowship, service, and sharing his interests with others.

After being diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) ten years ago, Bob and his family were grateful for the many doctors, physical therapists, nurses, aides, and other medical professionals who cared for him with expertise, compassion, and kindness. Among those who became especially meaningful to Bob and his family were Dr. Boris Shkolnik of AMC Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Gary Bakst of The Endocrine Group, Dr. Heather Stahura of Capital Cardiology Associates, Dr. Khoa Ngo of AMC Rheumatology, and Dr. Makenzi Evangelist of NYOH.

Since April, Community Hospice of Trinity Health has provided invaluable support to Bob and his family. The members of his hospice team - Jennifer B., Chi, Stephanie, Gretchen, Noah, Wesley, and Jennifer O. - became more than caregivers. They were welcome visitors in Bob and Carol’s home and brought comfort, compassion, and support during an incredibly difficult time. Bob’s family will always be grateful for the care they provided and the special connections they made with Bob and Carol.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carol Castorina Reid; his daughter, Andrea Reid Fitzgerald, and son-in-law, Shane Fitzgerald; his beloved grandchildren, Colin Fitzgerald and Emme Fitzgerald; his brother, William Reid, and his wife, Virginia; his brother-in-law, Edward Castorina, and his wife, Gretchen; as well as his nieces, nephew, extended family members, kind neighbors and many friends.

Services will be held on Friday, August 28, at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY. Calling Hours will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., with the Funeral Service immediately following. Burial will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the University at Albany Foundation in support of UAlbany Athletics or the Massry School of Business.

Bob will be remembered for the life he built, his devotion to his family, his professional accomplishments, his service to his country, his enthusiasm for UAlbany athletics, his love of travel and automobiles, his involvement in his community, and the many friendships he maintained throughout his life. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His memory will live on in the family and friends who had the good fortune to share in his life.