'Mama's Boy At Heart, Steadfast Friend': Services Set For Adored Manhattan Teen Killed In Fall

MANHATTAN, IL — Services have been set for Anthony "Tony" Reed Jr., a beloved Manhattan teen who died following a fall from height at an abandoned Joliet property Sunday.

In an obituary published Wednesday, Reed is described by family as a "natural adventurer," who learned to ride without training wheels at just 2.5 years old to keep up with his sister. His mother nicknamed him "Bird" during his very first feedings as a newborn, it reads.

He was a graduate of Manhattan District 114 schools and a sophomore at Lincoln-Way West. As a child he enjoyed watching the cartoon Phineas and Ferb, and went on to love gaming as a teenager, family said. He had just gotten his learner's permit and was loving driving, and enjoyed playing pickup basketball games with friends at Anna Mac or Central Park, family wrote.

"His childhood was filled with happiness, contentment, so many smiles, lots of laughter, and so much love," the touching tribute reads. "He was a loyal, loving son, a mama’s boy at heart, a devoted baby brother, a great cousin, and a steadfast friend..."

Separately, Manhattan Patriots Football organization—for which Reed played—remembered the teen as "the kind of person who brought joy to those around him.

"He was always smiling, had a great sense of humor, and was simply fun to be around. His personality, laughter, and the memories he made with teammates and coaches will not be forgotten," the organization shared.

Reed is survived by his parents Anthony A. “Tony” and Courtney Reed, his sister Elayna Reed, his paternal step-grandfather Mark Brasseur, his aunts and uncles Hillary Rhodes, Megan (Ken) Vasecka, Nicholas (Jacque) Stephenson, Patrick (Nickole) Stephenson, Amy Brown, and many cousins, as well as best friend Dylan Torres, girlfriend Abigail “Abi” Twiddy, and his loyal feline companion, “Mr. Math.”

See his full obituary online.

Visitation will take place on Friday, Sept. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan. Funeral service will take place Saturday, Sept. 5, beginning with prayers at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan, for 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial.