Elmer Edward Reese, 82, passed away Sunday, August 29, 2010 at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, GA with family by his side. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, in 1928 on St. Patrick's Day to the late Clemens and Mary Reese.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Lois Helen Hartley Reese.
While attending Coughlin High School, he was a star pitcher on the baseball team. After high school he played the trumpet in the U.S. Air Force.
Following two years' service in the Air Force, Mr. Reese graduated with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University. He completed Executive training programs at M.I.T., Ohio State University, and Harvard Business School.
Mr. Reese became a trainee in 1952 with Delco Appliance Division in Rochester, New York, and senior project engineer in 1958. Advancing to product manager for windshield wiper systems, he was transferred to the GM Delco Products Division in Dayton, Ohio, where he became staff engineer for auto electrical products.
In 1970 he was named chief engineer of Delco Products Division and in 1973 was advanced to general sales manager. He was later transferred to Delco Remy Division in Anderson, Indiana, and held the position of chief engineer until named general manager, September 1, 1978.
In 1982 he was named general manager of Packard Electrical Division in Warren, Ohio from which he retired in 1989.
During his career, Mr. Reese received over twenty patents for automotive components. A quote from Mr. Reese, "Do it right the first time, everytime."
Mr. and Mrs. Reese retired to The Landings on Skidaway Island in 1990.
He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, David and Robin Reese Ft. Collins, CO, three daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and John Smith Springboro, OH, Cathy and Mark Jefferson Indianapolis, IN, Jamie and Blair Carmosino Noblesville, IN.
He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and their spouses, Jeremy Sara Reese, Justin Jennifer Reese, Jessie Reese, Steven Lori Smith, Brad Megan Smith, Kasey Brandon Armstrong, Kyle and Matthew Jefferson, Michael, Sophia, and Amanda Carmosino, six great-grandchildren, and special friend, Bobbie Stallings.

The family would like to thank the staff at Memorial Hospital and all his friends at The Marshes at Skidaway Island for there support and compassion.

A private family memorial service will be held later in the year in Florida.

Remembrances may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.

Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel