Obituary of Joseph Michael Reardon

Joseph Michael Reardon, a 2000 graduate of Arlington Catholic High School, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, December 30th, 2016. He was 34 years old. Born in Stoneham, and raised in Burlington, Joe attended Wildwood School and Marshall Simonds Middle School. He had a passion for hockey. He started skating at the age of 2 and grew up through the ranks of the Burlington Hockey & Skating Association. Joe’s love of hockey brought him to Arlington Catholic High School. He was a true leader of the Cougar’s Hockey Team, leading them to many successful years. It was an honor for him to be one of the Team’s Captains during his senior year at ACHS. After High School Joe continued his dream of playing hockey and attended the prestigious Winchendon Prep School. Joe also played for the Jr. Warriors Hockey Team and Salem State College. It would be impossible for anyone to remember Joe without being reminded of how he made each of us laugh. In his life, Joe demonstrated a unique combination of caring devotion and mischievous humor, which he brought to his relationships with his closest family, his nieces and nephews, and his many friends. His parents and sisters can recount and appreciate the many ways his antics brought humor to a household where everyone was always busy. His nieces and nephews knew that he was devoted to them and that their time together would never be boring. His friends knew a man they could confide in, and who was always ready for an adventure or stunt. Kaylee, Steven, Alexis, and Angela always knew that when Uncle Joe was spending time with them, they were always safe, and it would always be fun. When he took pictures of them for Easter, he made sure to include many goofy poses along with the formal shots. Kaylee will always remember the nearly 25 lbs of candy her Uncle Joe bought for her birthday. Angela could count on Uncle Joe having Richardson’s Watermelon Slush on hand… and he could count on her never telling the secret of where they picked the flowers they gave to Yiayia. Being the only son in his family, Joe was outnumbered and outvoted by three sisters. He may have been a young hockey star to people outside his family, but his sisters attempted to keep him real. While the four siblings each had their talents, each of his sisters shared traits with Joe. Kerry was also mischievous, like Joe, and can still recount the story of when they each thought the other was a burglar in the house. Chrissy and Joey were both the quiet ones. Both were shy and channeled their energies into their individual talents. Katie looked up to her big brother and also pursued a hockey career that brought her through college. Joe’s parents each shared a special bond with him: his father molded him into a star athlete, and his mother helped him become the sensitive, devoted, and funny person we all knew. Of his many great hockey coaches, his Dad, Joe, was his first and constant mentor. His Dad constructed a realistic (and awesome) hockey rink in the back yard of their home and manually watered and “Zambonied” it every winter night. Sports provided Joe with confidence. His sensitivity, dedication, and sense of humor were nurtured by his close relationship with his mother, Kathy. She was his first female ally in their house, and possibly his closest friend throughout his life. He knew that he could always count on his mother. She cherished their deep conversations and those moments when they felt like two kids without a care in the world. Most everyone needs company while navigating their life’s unique challenges. Joe’s family would like to acknowledge the many friends who were with him through good times and bad. While we did not know all of you, we know that you were an enormous part of Joe’s life and we want to thank you for all of the love, support, and company that you provided him. Reardon, Joseph Michael of Burlington, unexpectedly, Dec. 30th. Beloved son of Kathy L. (Klesaris) & Joseph L. of Burlington. Loving brother of Kerry Deihle & her husband Travis of Nashua, NH, Christina Dalalelis & her husband Nikolaos of Burlington and Katie Palmer & her wife Shannon Palmer of Wilmington. Proud & devoted uncle of Kaylee, Steven, Alexis, Angela, Tyler, Shaun & Christopher. Grandson of Peter & Elsie Klesaris of FL and the late Leo & Marion Reardon. Also survived by many aunts, uncles & cousins. Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Joe’s name may be made to Burlington Hockey & Skating Association, PO Box 444, Burlington, MA 01803.