Fr. Edward “Eddie” Reese, S.J., passed away August 8, 2025. Fr. Reese served as Principal of Bellarmine from 1980-1994, and then went on to serve as President of Brophy College Prep. in Phoenix for two decades before serving in the same capacity at St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco since July 2016.
Fr. Reese was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in July and passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos early this morning.
Fr. Reese was Principal alongside Fr. Jerry Wade, S.J., who served as Bellarmine’s President during that same era. The two of them formed a dynamic pair and were known for the great camaraderie they shared with one another, and the many friendships they formed with students, parents, alumni, and other friends of the school during their long years working together. Fr. Reese also enjoyed a very strong working relationship with his long-time Asst. Principal, Mr. Bob Picetti, who passed away earlier this year.
Fr. Reese entered the Society of Jesus in 1961 and was ordained a Priest in 1973. Among his many lasting legacies will be the two embedded Nativity schools that he founded at Brophy and at St. Ignatius, along with the many students whose lives he impacted over his long career in Jesuit secondary education.
He is survived by his brother Fr. Tommy Reese, S.J..
Saints of God, come to his aid!
Hasten to meet him, angels of the Lord!
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May Eddie now rest in peace.
Amen.