Anthony A. “Tony” Reed Jr., more affectionately known as “Bird,” by family and friends a 15-year-old resident of Manhattan, tragically passed away on Sunday, August 30th, 2026, due to falling from a significant height in Joliet, Illinois. He is survived by his parents, Anthony A. “Tony” and Courtney (née Stephenson) 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, his cousins Henry Rhodes, Randy Rhodes, Jesse Rhodes, Kenny “Bubba” Vasecka, Genna Vesecka, Mark “Marky” Vasecka, Tea Fields, Revan Stephenson, Rhylen Stephenson, Wade Stephenson, and Evelyn “Evie” Stephenson, his best friend Dylan Torres, his girlfriend Abigail “Abi” Twiddy, and his loyal feline companion, “Mr. Math.” He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Gary and Susan Stephenson and his paternal grandmother Helen (née Hultin) Reed Brasseur.

Tony, born on April 14, 2011, in Joliet, Illinois, graduated from Wilson Creek Elementary, Anna McDonald Elementary School, and Manhattan Junior High before currently attending Lincoln-Way West High School. His mother affectionately nicknamed him "Bird" during his very first feedings as a newborn. The name just stuck.

Earlier on, Tony was a natural adventurer, learning at the age of two and a half how to ride without training wheels because if Elayna was doing it, he did too.

As a child, Anthony enjoyed watching the cartoon Phineas and Ferb and playing video games as a teenager. Another love was playing pickup basketball games with his friends at Anna Mac or Central Park in Manhattan. He enjoyed listening to The Smiths, rap, and various other music. Anthony has taken to driving recently since receiving his driver's permit, and he absolutely loved being behind the wheel. His childhood was filled with happiness, contentment, so many smiles, lots of laughter, and so much love. He was a loyal, loving son, a mama’s boy at heart, a devoted baby brother, a great cousin, and a steadfast friend. Tragically, Tony’s life was cut far short, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. 

Visitation for Anthony will take place on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, Manhattan. The funeral service will take place the following day, Saturday, September 5, 2026, beginning with prayers at 9:30am at the funeral home, followed by a procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan, for 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial. Cremation will be respectfully addressed following Mass. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.