Michael James Reardon

Michael James Reardon, 75, of Denton, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at New Hope United Methodist Church, Denton, with Rev. Dennis Gray officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites. Military honors will be provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Michael James Reardon lived a life of service. He continued a long family tradition of military service, first responder, community, and religious service spanning generations. He was born in Columbus, Ohio at the Fort Hayes Army Hospital to Ernest L Reardon and of Hannah Jane Cochrun and had two brothers Edward and Kevin. He attended Whetstone High School and joined the United States Army and served in the 101st airborne as a paratrooper. Michael earned an associate science degree in Law Enforcement Technology and worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a park ranger in several state parks throughout the state. He expanded his law enforcement experience by graduating from the Ohio State Patrol Academy and became a police officer for the City of Westerville where he eventually retired from active duty.

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, he led and grew a successful Boy Scout Troop as Scoutmaster and overall leader which remains active to this day. He was an enthusiastic supporter of veteran’s rights and was an energetic fundraiser for charitable events and community services. He enjoyed woodworking, learning his craft from his Amish friends. In his later years he was a Freemason in both Ohio and North Carolina (Officer with the Asheboro Masonic Lodge #699) and an active member in his local church (New Hope Methodist Church in Denton, NC) for which he was most proud.

He adored animals of all types and especially loved horses and dogs and always had more than his share, along with the occasional goat, cat or otherwise. He taught us many valuable lessons that will never be forgotten. He believed that you should stand tall and proud for your convictions. You should work hard. You should defend those whose cannot defend themselves. You should never, ever give up. Michael is survived by his two children; Kerrie Janosko (Dave) and Michael Reardon (Heather); four grandchildren (Jacob, Julia, Joey and Van), his brother Kevin (Jill) and numerous nieces and nephews. He had many friends of great value to him back in Ohio and North Carolina. We are grateful for his neighbors, Nathan and Dawn Johnson, who stood by him to help him toward peace. We will remember him fondly always.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Monday, at New Hope United Methodist Church, prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Randolph SPCA, 300 W. Bailey Street, Asheboro, NC 27203; or the charity of the donor's choice.