4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
REECE, DEL LEWIS
Del Lewis Reece, forever known by his loved ones as Dee and part of The Reece Crew, passed away suddenly the evening of July 28, 2021 at the age of 52. He is survived by Stacy, his loving wife of 23 years standing strong with his three children Theo, Amanda and Ebony. He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a grandfather, an uncle, an Executive Chef, a best friend and last but not least an incredibly generously kind human being. Del was born June 1, 1969 in Roswell, New Mexico to his loving mother Rosemary who then raised him to be strong alongside his father James. He worked every day since he was 16 to take care of himself and his family, he started as a dishwasher but went on to be a well-respected Chef who competed in and won competitions for cooking, ice sculpting and leadership. In most recent years he worked but most importantly he found time in moments to find joys that were his and his to share. His love for golf, the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Eagles, his beautiful Monte Carlo low rider, throwing back a cold beer with people who cared about him and sharing his love, light and caring nature with anyone that would let him. He was the kind of person that wanted to know your story, who you truly were because you were heard and seen when you were in his reach. He made an incredible impact on this world, everyone who knew him had their own piece of the puzzle that made him who he was. With him gone we’re finding that we can come together and still learn about him, sharing memories while making new ones together. He will be loved, honored, and remembered forever.
A private service was held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, on August 3, 2021 at 1:00pm. His family will send out an announcement to honor Del at a Celebration of Life at a later date, where everyone who knew him will be welcomed to join.
I love you big brother forever in my heart and in my thoughts you will always be the greatest motivation when it come to love and family.
My biggest condolences to the Reece family during this time. I’ve known Del since I was 15 having met his daughter Amanda in middle school and I can definitely say he was always very much a presence in the Reece household. Every weekend when the chef coat came off he was ready to just kick it and have a good time with his family and close friends. He truly was an example of how not every thing has to be work work work and that it’s ok to take time to enjoy the little things, but at the same time an example of how hard work pays off. Del you are someone that will truly be missed. Take it easy up there. I already know he’s watching over all of you especially Thay, precious grandbaby.
I cant express the words but I wrote a poem. I will love you forever big brother..
Broken Peices
Brother how did we get here, we didn’t even know that death was near. We all have the same question “why you” your the one who brought us together you are the family glue. Now what will we do. I know what you’d say “ Chrissy, Ron, Vern, Val, Sib, Mary, Nikki, Jay it was always gonna end up this way. Yall are stronger than you were before you have each other and a special bond.
Reece crew it’s time to batter up, I’ll be that angel in the outfield just look up.
I am devastated. My name is Jim Bolduc. I worked alongside Del at ASU West. I was the evening Chef Supervisor under Del’s watch. His crew was tops and he was very proud of them. He sculpted many of my evening cooks , showed them the ropes . Myself alongside of Josie whom followed Del from main campus, we had his back. It was the best four years of my career. I was saddened when he told us that he was headed to Flagstaff. He wasn’t out the door and we were missing him. Godspeed my friend. Till we meet again. Our condolences to to Stacy and family.
My dad was a good man and very fun person. The best father anyone could ask for. He never made my family question his unconditional love and support for us and all those he cared about. He was never one to hold grudges and believed life is short and to always say I love you because tomorrow won’t always come. I will always cherish and honor the memories he has left us with and until I see you again, rest easy Pops and I will always look out for the signs you leave me to show you are still here watching over our family. I love you.