Michael Peter Reardon

Michael F. Reardon, a Boston native and godson to Governor James Michael Curley, forged a path defined by dedication to family, country, and community. His early life was steeped in Boston's political landscape, with an educator father who served as Administrator of Public Schools in the Curley administration. Michael was no stranger to public service from a young age.

Michael's pursuit of education led him through the Boston Latin School and the New Hampton School before he joined the inaugural Class of 1959 at the United States Air Force Academy. It was during his time as a new cadet that a blind date introduced him to Marian, igniting what would become a lifelong romance. They were inseparable, marrying on June 8, 1959, just after graduation—the beginning of an enduring love story.

After graduation, Michael embarked on his Air Force journey, beginning with pilot training in Enid, Oklahoma, where his daughter Maura was born. His career as an Air Force pilot took the Reardon family on a global adventure, moving ten times in fourteen years to bases in Enid, Denver, Boston, Germany, Phoenix, Shreveport, Rochester, and Washington D.C.

In 1968, Michael answered the call to serve in Vietnam during the pivotal Tet Offensive. As part of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Bien Hoa Air Base, he flew an impressive 219 combat missions, earning significant recognition for his bravery, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart, among other decorations.

Upon returning to the United States, Michael further honed his strategic mind, earning a degree in Systems Analysis from the University of Rochester graduate program. This led to an extended tour at the Pentagon, where he served as an Air Operations Staff Officer, deeply engaged in strategic planning for the Air Force.

In 1974, Michael transitioned from active duty, returning to Denver to take the helm of Cottrell's, a men's clothing store founded by Marian's grandfather in 1893. Though no longer on active duty, his commitment to his country remained unwavering as he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves, ultimately retiring as a Colonel. His distinguished public service culminated in a political appointment in the Department of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, completing his remarkable career as a DOD official in the Air Force Base Conversion Agency.