Patrick Reardon

Patrick Joseph Reardon, age 82, passed away in peace on Monday May 20, 2024. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI to Joseph P. Reardon and Clare M. Reardon (nėe Schlick) on November 13, 1941. He attended St. Augustine Cathedral School and Kalamazoo Central High School. 

While his teen years were marked by family tragedy and the loss of his closest brother Michael, he received comfort and support from multiple sources, including a trusted uncle, the Mishall family, Golden Gloves boxing, and his high school principal Gene Thomas, who encouraged him to attend college. He went on to earn a Bachelors of Science from Western Michigan University in 1963 before serving in the U.S. Peace Corps in Afghanistan from 1964-1966. 

Upon his return he earned a Masters of Science in Politics from University of Wisconsin in 1968, and wrote an article titled Modernization and Reform: The Contemporary Endeavor, published in a 1969 compilation, Afghanistan: Some New Approaches. He later worked as an Investigator for the Michigan Civil Rights Commission in Detroit. He was proud of his years as a civil rights activist and labor organizer on behalf of the Teamsters for a Democratic Union within the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local #7. 

While in Detroit, he met his future wife and partner, Noreen Stanton. Together, they built a house in the woods outside of Galesburg, where they raised two children. They placed an importance on education and moral integrity. 

Patrick was deeply concerned with world affairs throughout his life. An avid reader, Patrick believed anything you needed could be found in a book and cultivated an extensive library. He loved strong coffee and chocolate milk shakes. In 1980 he became sober through the help of A.A. and sought to help those also seeking sobriety. Patrick was a true provider and survivor. He supported his family as a truck driver for many years.

In his retirement, he traveled to China, saw his children graduate from college, attended their weddings, doted on his two granddaughters, and mused on possible names for his future grandson. He is preceded in death by his former wife Noreen Reardon and survived by his children, Kathryn (Jason) Richards and their daughters Imogene and Elyse, and John (Laura) Reardon, his sister Margaret Reardon (Donna Scott) and siblings Daniel, James, Mary Ann, and Susan. 

A memorial service will be held June 29, 2024, at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes, 5975 Lovers Ln, Portage, MI 49002. The family is especially thankful for the support and care of Whitney Mayfield of Astounding Hearts, LLC. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Kalamazoo Friends Meeting (Quakers), kalamazooquakers.org; or Ministry with Community, ministrywithcommunity.org.

While visiting Patrick’s webpage www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. 

The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen and Secord Funeral Home; 5975 Lovers Ln, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.