New London, NH – Lansing Reed of New London, NH, died peacefully at home on July 10, 2026, a few weeks shy of his 100th birthday. He grew up in Cohasset, MA, and Walpole, NH, attending Derby Academy and then graduating from Deerfield Academy in 1944. He joined the Navy, reporting to Dartmouth College as part of the V12 officer training program. Graduating in 1947 as an engineering major, he was commissioned as an Ensign.
After graduation, Lansing spent several months traveling in Europe before beginning a successful career with Alcoa in industrial sales and management.
Later in his career, Lansing followed his passion for education, earning an MA in that field in 1988 from Harvard. He joined Dartmouth’s development staff, helping to raise philanthropic support for the College, and subsequently taught math and physics at the secondary school level.
In retirement, he enjoyed boating, golf and a creative passion: oil painting. He served for 20 years as a Hospice volunteer, offering care and companionship to patients and families in some of their toughest moments.
Lansing is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Ruth; his children, John Reed (Perry Ann) of Georgetown, TX, Matthew Reed of Chesterfield, MO, Martha Thayer (Richard) of Greenwood, VA, and Katherine Hall (Kenneth) of Goshen, CT; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, four stepchildren, and many extended family members including his sister Martia Smith of Hanover, NH.
Lansing will be remembered for his humility, integrity, curiosity, gentle wit, and commitment to serving others. As a navy officer, executive, educator, artist, volunteer, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, he lived a life of purpose, generosity, and quiet grace.
If you wish, memorial gifts may be made to the Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice (https://www.lakesunapeevna.org ), Deerfield Academy (https://deerfield.edu ), or
Dartmouth College (https://home.dartmouth.edu ).
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