Robin Reed

We are heartbroken to share that Robin Lee Reed, 75, died of complications from kidney failure at his home in Arcadia, CA on July 6, 2026 in the company of his wife and children.

Born the youngest of five children to Harold “Bun” and Catherine “Jane” Reed, Robin grew up in a musical family. He graduated from South Pasadena High School and attended USC and Pasadena City College, where he met his wife of 50 years, Lisa.

As a young man, Robin worked as a bike mechanic at B&H Cycle as he pursued his dream of becoming an opera singer. His early efforts culminated in winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 1980. Robin’s opera career took him all over the United States and to West Germany, where he spent 5 years as a principal tenor in the Stadt Theater Bremerhaven, singing 25 leading roles. Along with guest artists roles with opera companies and symphony orchestras across Europe and the US, he sang in movies, TV shows, and commercials, and was a longtime member of the dinner theatre troupe at Maldonado’s in Pasadena.

In later years, Robin worked as a retail manager and cook while continuing to sing with churches, synagogues, choirs, and opera productions. Lisa and Robin retired in Sequim, WA, where Robin sang with Port Angeles Symphony and the Sequim Christmas Chorus before they returned to Arcadia in 2019. Robin loved spending time with his family, including dogs and cats, especially at annual reunions with his siblings and their children, where puns were traded like they were going out of style (they were) and live music filled the rental houses.

Robin’s work ethic meant giving his all even at day-jobs that brought him little enjoyment, though he called himself “lazy.” He loved long road trips, cooking, camping, cars classic and concept, watching sports, playing golf, fixing things around the house, being silly with his grandchildren, reading thrillers, and keeping up with loved ones near and far. In his retirement years, he often traveled to support family and friends at their performances or as they recovered from surgeries.

Robin was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Judy (Irv) and John. He is survived by his brothers David (Aletta) and Dick (Patty), sister-in-law Connie, wife Lisa, children Rachel (Andrew) and Forrest (Ann Marie), grandchildren Alice, Benji, and Mackenzie, and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will share details of the celebration of life with friends and family once arrangements have been made. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Robin's honor that resonate with his values and interests.