Dr. Joseph Reed (Reed) Estabrook, 88, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, died peacefully at home on July 8, 2021, surrounded by his beloved family.  He enjoyed a life lived with devotion to his wife, children, and hard work.

He was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on February 12, 1933, the fourth child and only son of the elder Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Reed Estabrook.  His father owned and operated a local tire and auto supply store.

He earned his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University in 1955.  He would go on to earn a Master's degree in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology and a Doctorate in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Columbia University.

Reed served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  In 1955-56, he was deployed to Korea, where he served as a ground equipment maintenance officer and adjutant at the U.S. Air Force Base at Yong Dong Po.  After returning to civilian life, he spent the bulk of his career at Union Carbide, where he became Group Leader of Operations Research.  He then worked as an independent consultant for a number of clients.

When he retired in 1997, Reed plunged deeply into his long-time hobby, model railroading.  He built an elaborate track in the basement, and he was particularly skilled at detailing replica engines and boxcars.  He enjoyed sharing his work with fellow enthusiasts at train shows throughout the region, and through an eBay store that developed a loyal international clientele.

Reed's greatest joy was his family.  As he stood in line to complete forms at his first employer's personnel office in 1955, an 18 and-a-half-year-old Patricia LaBate caught his eye.  He determined that he would marry her, and he did, in 1958.  He impressed her neighbors with his stylish 1932 Model A Ford, but won Patty over with his good looks, his smarts, and most of all, his kind heart.  He was a devoted husband and an equally devoted father, a mainstay at his son's soccer games and his daughter's dance recitals and piano performances.  He was always eager to help with trigonometry homework or computer science projects.

He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, but liked nothing more than driving through the hills of Peapack-Gladstone on a beautiful day to eat lunch outside with his wife, who called him her "precious guy."  They would often be seen walking down the street hand-in-hand.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Patty; daughter Anne Margaret (Ron Cahill) of Andover, Massachusetts; son Matthew Reed (Missy Santoro) of Alexandria, Virginia; grandchildren Claire Emma Cahill, Reed Patrick Cahill, John Anthony "Jack" Estabrook and William Reed Estabrook; his sister Jane Estabrook Silcox; his sister-in-law Linda LaBate Mushlin (Al); and their families.  He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Reed and Hannah Jones Estabrook; his sisters Mary Alice Estabrook Métraux and Ellen Estabrook Babcock.  He also was predeceased by his in-laws, Anthony Peter and Margaret Cericola LaBate, who loved him like a son.

A memorial mass will take place at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Easton, PA on Monday, July 12 at 11:00 a.m.  A private family burial will follow.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Morello Funeral Home, 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA 18045.