SOUTHWICK- Raymond E. Reardon, 83, loving husband of 61 years to Joan (Farewell) Reardon, passed away on January 10, 2013. He was born on February 2, 1929 in Willimansette, MA to the late Michael and Annette (Geoffrion) Reardon, of Willimansette, MA.
Ray was raised in Willimansette where the banks of the Connecticut River bed were his playground and spawned his life-long love of fishing. He raised beagles, fox hounds, rabbits, pigeons, and chickens. He was a dedicated rabbit hunter and field trial judge. Ray loved bass fishing and pheasant hunting. These were his favorites in his later years. Brook trout and rabbit were what he enjoyed as a younger man. He was a 1947 graduate of Holyoke Trade School and then a sergeant and platoon leader in the Army National Guard. Ray was married in 1951 and became a resident of Southwick in 1955. He remained an avid outdoorsman. When he wasn’t enjoying the company of his wife and family, he could be found enjoying the great outdoors.
Extremely civic minded for the Town of Southwick, Ray was a member of the Planning Board and Conservation Commission for several years. Lake Management Committee was a large part of his life, for many years. As part of the Lake Management Committee, he took particular pride in the Weed Control Program, Lake Clean-Up and the care of the boat ramps. He was a founding member of the North East Bass Anglers. Ray supported the Library Tournament each year and the D.A.R.E. Tournament. Ray was employed for 30 years at Hamilton Standard, Windsor Locks, CT. He began his career as a drill press operator and attained the position of Plant Superintendent, from which he retired. After retirement, he and Joan enjoyed two cross-country trips and several winters in the Florida Everglades and South Padre Island in Texas. They also loved York Beach, Maine and spent many anniversaries there together.
In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by his 5 children; daughter, Patricia and husband Ralph Welliver, of Springfield, MA; son, Michael and wife Sue Reardon, of Plymouth, MA; son, Randy Reardon, of Chiang Mai , Thailand; son, Timothy and wife Randi Reardon, of Bakersfield, CA; and daughter, Sue and husband Edward Hepburn, of Southwick, MA. Raymond also leaves 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, John “Jack” Reardon of South Hadley, MA; a sister, Connie (Reardon) Urbanski of South Carolina; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Raymond was predeceased by a sister, Mary (Reardon) Hibert of Westfield, MA.
Raymond’s family will welcome friends on Monday, January 14th from 3:30 until 6:00 p.m. in the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, (413)569-5306, 624 College Highway (Highway 202/10) Southwick, MA. A funeral home ceremony will take place during the visiting hours at 4:00 p.m. Raymond will be laid to rest at a future date in New Cemetery, Southwick.
Raymond’s family will welcome friends on Monday, January 14th from 3:30 until 6:00 p.m. in the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, (413)569-5306, 624 College Highway (Highway 202/10) Southwick, MA. A funeral home ceremony will take place during the visiting hours at 4:00 p.m. Raymond will be laid to rest at a future date in New Cemetery, Southwick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwick Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 532, Southwick, MA 01077 or to National Kidney Research, 85 Astor Avenue, Suite 2, Norwood, MA 02062.
