Saratoga Springs, NY - John Leslie Reed, age 85, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 28, 2014. He was born September 22, 1928 in Canandaigua, New York, to James G. Reed and Ruth M. Dillman and lived in Bristol Center where his father owned the general store. He graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 1945, Norwich University, Vermont in 1949, as a Cadet Captain and distinguished military student, and received a Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies, Wesleyan University in 1959, and a Doctor in Education from Harvard University in 1965. His was proud of his Norwich University legacy, great niece Corps Cadet Arielle Eaton, who graduated May 2014. He served in the Korean War in 1952 as a first lieutenant and adjutant in the ORC Armor division, earning the Korean Service Medal and UN Service Ribbon. John came to Saratoga Springs in 1964 as a professor of education at Skidmore College where he directed an innovative elementary education program, and served as department chair. He inspired his students through his passion for teaching and enjoyed following their careers through their visits and letters, and continuing friendships over the years. John was an avid traveler and outdoorsman, a love he shared with his family through backpacking, boating, camping and fishing throughout North America as well as international travel including China and Italy with his beloved wife Doretta. Through his love of American History he served as a docent at the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs. His great talent for gardening and cooking he shared with gifts of vegetables and meals for his family and friends. He had a great passion for nature and in later years was happiest at home tending his garden and fruit trees, watching the many different birds visiting his feeders, and driving around Saratoga Lake to view the changing seasons. He is survived by his beloved wife Doretta Miller of Saratoga Springs, daughter Robin L. Reed of Saratoga Springs, and daughter Leslie Reed-Evans and son-in-law Arthur Evans of Williamstown, Massachusetts, brother James G. Reed of Webster, New York, and sister Nancy R. Reed of Tucson, Arizona. Also surviving John are nephews and nieces in the Rochester area, David Reed and wife Tammy, Paul Reed and wife Martha and family, and Siobhan Eaton, and family friend Lois Gauch; in Georgia, Sean Eaton and wife Suzy and family; in Connecticut Patrick Eaton and wife Lara and family; in Michigan Drs. Scott Pekrul and wife Bridget and family, in California Diane Holmes and family, in Massachusetts Aaron Hartnett and wife Heidi and family, in Florida Amanda Rivas, and in New Hampshire Sandra Proulx, Bradford Banks, and Jack Banks; Dillman and MacLaughlin cousins reside in the Victor and Canadaigua areas of New York. Also survived by sisters-in-law Dolores Pekrul of Santa Clarita, California, Doralee Miller-Hartnett of Falmouth, Massachusetts, and Doricia Rivas of Oviedo, Florida, and their families; and brothers-in-law Michael Hartnett, Alain Rivas, and John C. Banks and family of New Hampshire. John is predeceased by his parents James G. Reed and Ruth Dillman Reed, first wife Sallie Burr Banks Reed, sister Janet Eaton, nephew Kevin Eaton, and sister-in-law Carol Reed, and brothers-in-law Robert Eaton and Robert Pekrul. The family expresses their gratitude for the care and support of Dr. Richard Farrell and Dr. Edward Liebers, and their caring staff, family friend Janet Sorensen, and Saratoga Springs Community Hospice. There will be no public calling hours. Graveside services and burial with military honors will be at 11am Monday, July 7, 2014 at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville. Donations in John's memory may be made to Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, The Bristol Historical Society, New York, Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, Massachusetts, the Saratoga Springs Community Hospice or charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.