It is with great sorrow that the Fort Drum Composite Squadron announces that Captain John J. Reagan, 70 years old and originally of Tewksbury, MA, passed away on October 17, 2022 after a gallant fight against pancreatic cancer.
John joined Civil Air Patrol 6 March 2013 and was promoted to the rank of Captain 22 October 2018. During his nearly ten years of service in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, he served as Communications Officer, Safety Officer, Logistics Officer, Supply Officer, Aerospace Education Officer, Administration Officer and as a member of the unit’s Finance Committee. His awards and decorations include the Crisis Service Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, and two Achievement Awards.
He was a son of the late John Reagan and the late Dorothy (Gifford) Reagan and was born on January 29, 1952 in Tewksbury, MA. He attended Tewksbury public schools through the 7th grade before transferring to Saint Williams Catholic School and Our Lady of Hope Mission Seminary in Newburgh, NY. John attended Keith Academy in Lowell, graduating in 1970 and went on to attend Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) in Gardner, MA, graduating in 1972. John stayed at MWCC for an additional year and a half studying Nursing before transferring to Lowell State College (AKA: University of Massachusetts - Lowell), studying History and graduated in 1976 in that University’s first graduating class.
Following graduation, John enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1976 as a Human Resource Specialist. He served in a variety of Army Posts to include Mannheim, West Germany, Washington D.C., Anchorage Alaska, Fort Drum, NY,. John served twice in Germany; his second time he was assigned in Frankfurt and Geissen. John Retired at Fort Drum, NY in 1996. John was married to Danise Reagan for over 33 years, having met her during his assignment in Germany. She passed away previously.
John’s hobbies included HAM Radio Operation and his call sign was known as: N2MUB. He also enjoyed Genealogy and meeting new family members along the way. John always liked helping people and making new friends. He will surely be missed by many who knew his quiet demeanor and calm voice. The airwaves will have a certain silence about them from now on.
He is survived by his sister, Pauline Reagan of Salem, MA and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his siblings the late Ronnie Reagan and the late Karen McKenna.
On Friday, October 28, all are welcome to attend his graveside service at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury, MA at 10 a.m. Arrangements by the TEWKSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 978-851-2061. Please consider a memorial donation in his name to The Disabled American Veterans, 616 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145 or https://www.dav.org/methods-to-donate/ online. To leave the family a message of condolence, please find us on facebook or use this website.