GROVELAND: Ryan Joseph Reardon, age 12, passed away September 28, 2011 after a more than seven and a half year battle against Neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Ryan was a seventh grader at Pentucket Regional Middle School and attended St. Patrick’s Church of Sacred Heart Parish in Groveland. Ryan was an extraordinary child who fought this relentless disease with unparalleled courage, dignity and strength of spirit that left all who knew him in awe. “Remarkable” was a word often used by doctors and nurses who treated Ryan and marveled at his unwavering bravery and positive attitude. He was treated in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Burlington, VT and most recently at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Ryan left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him wherever he went.
Ryan was an avid baseball fan who enjoyed attending games at Fenway Park and cheering on his Red Sox. He was thrilled a few years ago to be chosen to help unveil to the media the David Ortiz jersey that had been buried in the newly constructed Yankee Stadium, dug up and graciously donated by the Yankees to the Jimmy Fund for a fundraising auction. Though physically limited by his disease and treatment, he also enjoyed playing Little League and as with everything else, gave it his all.
Ryan’s other interests included reading, with the Harry Potter series topping his list of favorites. Music was another passion and he dreamed of one day playing his guitar in a band.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Paul and Norma (Bourgeois) Reardon, his brother, Matthew Reardon all of Groveland, grandparents, Jeremiah and Jean Reardon of Medford as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Norman and Susanna Bourgeois of Lynn.
A funeral Mass for Ryan will be celebrated on Wednesday in the St. Patrick’s Church, 114 Center St., Groveland at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday in the Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill from 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Ryan’s fondest wish was for a cure to be found for Neuroblastoma. Toward that end, the family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ryan’s memory to the Van Andel Institute, Neuroblastoma Fund, c/o Gerilyn May, Development Coordinator, 333 Bostwick NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Note “Neuroblastoma Fund” in check memo as well or to the Band of Parents, PO Box 335, Dewittville, NY 14728 or online at www.bandofparents.org. Interment will be held in the Riverview Cemetery, Groveland.