Frederick Stanley Reis Jr.

Frederick (Fred) Stanley Reis Jr., of Dover, Massachusetts and Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025—just shy of his 91st birthday—after a brief illness. 

Born in Boston, Fred was the son of the late Stanley and Izetta (Nicholson) Reis. 

Fred was a Navy Captain, professor, policy analyst, writer, and lifelong student of history and governance. Fred was above all a fiercely loyal and quietly generous friend, godfather, cousin, and correspondent.

Fred was a graduate of Roxbury Latin School, Harvard College, and Stanford University. After completing Officer Candidate School, Fred was designated a Naval Intelligence Officer. He served with distinction in the U.S. Navy for over 30 years, both on active duty and in the U.S. Navy Reserve, ultimately retiring as a Captain. His work spanned naval intelligence, medical readiness, and strategic planning for defense reform. He later taught political science and worked with organizations including the Library of Congress on leadership and systems development.

Fred’s intellect was matched by his humility. He approached life with a scholar’s mind and a pastor’s heart—questioning systems, chronicling history, and always reaching out to others. His annual Christmas letters—often humorous, always thoughtful—offered a steady thread of connection across generations and geographies. “I’m still a pretty fair tour guide,” he once wrote. And indeed, he was—offering perspective, insight, and care that anchored those lucky enough to know him.

Fred created a chosen family of cousins (near and far), goddaughters, Navy colleagues, and their children. He never missed a birthday or life event if he could help it, and he never stopped checking in—decades after most others had drifted. Friends and relatives describe him as the person who never forgot, never dropped the ball, and never let distance weaken a bond. He always put others first, and never made any friendship about himself.

He traveled widely, read voraciously, served honorably, and gave generously—supporting a number of causes and institutions close to his heart.

Central to Fred's life was his abiding faith in God. He was a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church and never missed a Sunday service no matter where he was in the world.

In his final days, Fred was fortunate to be visited by cousins from Canada, a gift of timing that brought peace and comfort in his last hours.

Fred leaves behind his goddaughters, many cousins across the U.S. and Canada, and a wide circle of devoted friends, mentees, and former colleagues. His legacy is one of enduring loyalty, principled service, intellectual rigor, and a life lived with quiet grace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the Highland Cemetery in Dover followed by a memorial service at 3 pm at the Stratford Street United Church, 77 Stratford Street, West Roxbury, MA. Fred's Memorial Service may be watched via livestreaming by going to www.harborview.live  A Reception will be held following the Memorial Service in the church hall. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the World Wildlife Fund, in memory of Frederick S Reis Jr., (ref ID 8-23510063) WWF 1250 24th St NW Washington DC 20037.