John J. Reardon

GROSSE POINTE FARMSJohn Joseph Reardon of Grosse Pointe Farms passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on December 31, 2015. Grosse Pointe resident for over 65 years. John was born on March 31, 1922 in Detroit. He was the son of Thomas and Nellie Reardon, the eldest of 11 children and the last remaining child among his siblings. He married Virginia J. Vogl on May 19, 1945 and together they raised six girls during their 70 years of marriage. John graduated from the University of Detroit with a Bachelor's of Business Administration June 14, 1956. He also attended Tulane University at Pensacola. As part of his US Navy pilot training, John attended Drew University, Iowa State and the University of Iowa, after which he received his commission in 1945. Early in his career, John worked for the Ford Motor Company. He attended the Henry Ford Trade School where he worked for the supervisor of aircraft school and became involved in mechanical drawing for the Pratt Whitney engine assembly. After completing his active duty, he worked for Fruehauf Corporation in the Audit Division. Later, he worked for Federal Mogul Corporation for 26 years, as a corporate pilot, retiring as Chief Pilot in 1987. John served the US Navy as a pilot, flying well over 35 missions during the Korean Conflict, stationed in the Philippines. After the Korean Conflict, he taught Theory of Flight in Pensacola, FL for the Navy. He retired from the Navy Reserves as Commander in 1968 after over 25 years of service. At an awards ceremony in January 1998, almost 50 years after the fact, John received the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, the highest aviation honor bestowed by the US Navy. Previously, he received the Air Medal, Korean Service Medal, China Service in Pescadores and United States of America 1941-42 Medals for service. John believed that education was the key to independence and encouraged all of his children to pursue higher education. Together, John and his wife made many sacrifices to assist each of his six daughters earn their Bachelor's degree. He enjoyed history, finance and reading the Wall Street Journal. At home, he took pleasure in maintaining his home and gardening. He also helped those in need, donating to many charities during his lifetime. John's parents, Thomas and Nellie (Sullivan) Reardon; his sisters, Margaret (Peggy) Griffin, Eileen Sheldon, Mary Jahn, Lenore Martinez, Virginia Campbell, Dorothy Spicer and Nancy Fuller; and his brothers, Tim, Thomas and George Reardon, preceded John in death. He is survived by his life partner Virginia; daughters Carol Raphael (James), Kathleen D'Amato (Joseph), Barbara Hogan (Paul), Mary Carolan (Joseph), Terri Mitchell (Larry) and Charlene Reardon (Denise Gonzalez); grandchildren, John Paul (Joy) and Jacqueline Hogan, Claire D'Amato, Natalie Petchenik (Graham), Michelle and Melanie Carolan, Michelle Mitchell Nipe (Matthew), Peter and Steven Mitchell, Jack and Kate Reardon Gonzalez and great-grandchildren, Piper and Darby Hogan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00p.m. on Friday January 8, 2016 at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods. In state at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 467 Fairford, Grosse Pointe Woods. Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 9:00-10:00 followed by 10:00 mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Seasons Hospice, 27355 John R, Madison Heights, MI 48071

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236