Terrance J. "Terry" Reardon

BOARDMAN  — Terrance J. “Terry” Reardon, 60, died unexpectedly following treatment for skin cancer on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. 

Terry was born May 18, 1963, to William J. and Joan V. Harrison Reardon in Youngstown. He was the sixth of seven children. 

Terry was a 1981 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, where he was a lineman and linebacker on the football team. In 1980, Terry helped lead his team to victory in the state championship following an undefeated season. His prowess on the football field resulted in Terry earning first-team All-Steel Valley, Northeastern Ohio Honors, and All-State Honors. 

Terry went on to graduate from Xavier University, then continued to Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he served as a class officer. In 2020, Terry's passion for learning led him back to Xavier University, where he achieved an additional degree in the liberal arts.

In 1987, Terry began his professional career as a funeral director at Higgins Funeral Homes. The Reardon name was added in 1999 when Terry and his beloved wife and business partner, Judy Higgins-Reardon, became the proprietors. Together with their son, Terrance, they own funeral homes in Austintown, Canfield, Poland, North Jackson and Salem. In addition, they assimilated the professional services of the Fabrizio and Fortunato Funeral Homes. 

Terry took on various leadership roles in the funeral service community, serving as president of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association in 2010, a member of the executive board of the National Funeral Directors Association and chairman of the OFDA Master Trust Committee.

Terry was a proud member of the Mooney Family and continuously contributed to Cardinal Mooney’s success throughout his life. Terry previously served as president of the Cardinal Mooney Alumni Association and was a current member of the school’s board of directors. Terry was a class co-captain of The Cardinal Challenge and served as co-chairman of the campaign. In 2009, he assisted in founding Cardinal Mooney’s lacrosse program, the first high school lacrosse program in the Mahoning Valley. Terry also took part in numerous career days and was a frequent classroom speaker in religion classes studying life and death issues. Terry was awarded Alumni of the Year in 2004 and is also a member of Cardinal Mooney’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Terry was also a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society, where he previously served as president. In recognition of his contributions to the preservation of Irish heritage and culture in the Mahoning Valley, Terry was awarded Gael of the Year in 1996 and Ancient Order of Hibernians Irishman of the Year in 2024.

Terry belonged to numerous organizations that reflected his dedication to his Catholic faith and the Youngstown community. Terry was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Canfield Rotary Club, where he previously served as president, and was particularly proud to have been a member of the inaugural board of First Night Canfield. He co-chaired the committee to renovate Tippecanoe Country Club, was a committee member of the Ursuline Sisters’ Fullness of Life, Future of Hope campaign and was an active member of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Boardman, where he served as a lector. 

Struggling to find a way to fill his time, Terry also found joy in various hobbies and interests. An avid boater and lover of Lake Erie sunsets, he was an active member of The Catawba Island Club. Terry was a dedicated Notre Dame football fan and long-time season ticket holder who greatly enjoyed attending games with his family. A true “Parrot Head,” Terry attended over thirty-five Jimmy Buffett concerts with his loved ones. Terry was a passionate runner and completed several 5k and 10k races, as well as the New York and Washington, D.C. marathons. Terry was also an experienced artist who enjoyed drawing and painting.

Terry's vibrant personality radiated through all aspects of his life. Known for his attention to detail and always being impeccably dressed for every occasion, he delighted in moments like meeting his newborn granddaughter in the hospital last week wearing a suit and tie. 

Terry is survived by his wife, Judy Higgins Reardon, whom he married July 21, 1990; sons, John J. (Melina) Reardon and Terrance B. (Mackenzie) Reardon; daughters, Bailey A. Reardon and Delaney M. (Quinn Walsh) Reardon; granddaughter, Kensley Mae Reardon and newborn granddaughter, Ryleigh Cecile Reardon; two sisters, Colleen (Dr. Ed) Novosel and Judy (Britt) Greene; two brothers, Dennis (Lisa) Reardon and Attorney Tim (Suzie) Reardon; mother-in-law, Barbara Ockerman Higgins; sister-in-law, Karen Reardon; brother-in-law, Dan (Karen Rolfe) Schiavone; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He also has two beloved dogs, Clancy and Paisley. 

Terry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Debbie Schiavone; his brother, Bill Reardon; and his father-in-law, Jack Higgins.

Calling hours will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr's Centre Drive.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, officiated by Msgr. Zuraw and Msgr. Connell. Calling hours will be held prior to the Mass at the church, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Terry will be laid to rest in Poland Riverside Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be sent to The Ursuline Sisters, for the Fullness of Life, Future of Hope campaign, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, OH 44406; or to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter Office, 425 Literary Road, Suite 100, Cleveland, OH 44113.

This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.