Joseph James Reed

Joseph James Reed, Jr., of Skippack Township, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, following complications from an illness. Born on February 2, 1947, Joe was 77 years old.

A native Philadelphian, Joe grew up in the Fairmount section of the city. In the mid-1960s, he graduated from Roman Catholic High School as well as Dobbins Technical School, where he trained to become a baker. Joe also served in the United States Army for two years. 

Joe’s career as a baker included an early stint at Hanscom’s Bakery. He also worked at Swiss Pastry Shop in Center City where he eventually became part-owner in the early 1980s. In the late 1990s, he joined Swedish Pastry Shop in West Chester, where he also became part-owner and worked until his retirement in 2011. Joe’s consistently delicious cakes, pastries, cookies, and bread kept a steady stream of customers patronizing his shop. His “regulars,” however, were drawn to Joe for far more than his baking expertise. He was truly a character with a fun sense of humor. Joe left his mark on many people who came to really enjoy his personality, and even consider him a friend.

 Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph James Reed, Sr., and Mary (Whalen) Reed; his sisters, Theresa (Edward) Daily, and Maryann (Joseph) Parker; niece Laura Ann (Richard) Leyden; and nephews, Jodie (Dee) Parker, Jimmy Parker, and Larry Parker; as well as grand nieces and nephews.

Joe is survived by his loving partner of nearly 50 years, Thomas Mieczkowski. Tom’s nieces, Beth Blaney and Lauren Burby, along with their spouses and children, very much considered Joe a beloved member of their family. He will be fondly remembered and missed by many.

In keeping with Joe’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held.