Donald Joseph Reardon

Donald Joseph Reardon March 19, 1937 - December 17, 2024 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Joseph Reardon, age 87, of Kingsburg, California, on December 17, 2024. Donald was born on March 19, 1937, in Benson, Minnesota, and spent much of his life in California, residing in the Central Valley for almost 45 years. Growing up as an Irish lad on farms in small-town Minnesota, Donnie spent his early years in seminary school, reflecting his lifelong dedication to service and spirituality. At age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a sonar operator during the Korean War-a source of great pride throughout his life. Overcoming a challenging upbringing-losing both his parents before he turned 18-Don surpassed all obstacles, rising from poverty to become a successful educator who poured his heart into any community he was a part of. While working four jobs to support and raise his children, he graduated with a master's degree, exemplifying his dedication and work ethic. Mr. Reardon was a dedicated educator and administrator, spending much of his career as both a teacher and principal. He served as a project director for numerous fundamental programs, where he was instrumental in writing grants for migrant education and teaching ESL classes to Spanish-speaking learners. His efforts have had a lasting impact, with many of the grants he secured still in place today. A self-taught Spanish speaker, Don earned a Master's in Education from the University of La Verne. He used his language skills to help generations of schoolchildren and their families learn English, demonstrating his passion for education. Even at his death, he was imparting lessons to his children and grandchildren. In addition to his professional achievements, Don was musically talented, playing the guitar, writing poems, and singing Irish ballads, to his children and grandchildren-a cherished tradition he upheld until his passing. Preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa; his great-grandson, Joseph; and his granddaughter, Mischa, Don is survived by his three children: Mark, Keith, and Kristy; his grandchildren: Cheree, Breanna, Robert, Daniella, Alejandra, Lucas, Cayna, Tatum, and Nolan; and his great-grandchildren: Aiden, Jakob, Evalina, Conner, Rowan, and Hudson. He was a pillar of strength and support to his family, instilling in them the values of hard work, love, and dedication, and he took great pride in their accomplishments. Donald's life was a testament to selflessness, dedication, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of kindness, faith, and commitment to his family will endure in the hearts of those he leaves behind. A funeral Mass will be held in his honor at Holy Family Catholic Church on January 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by graveside services and a reception at the church's reception hall. Rest in peace, Donald. Your memory will live on forever in the hearts of your family and all whose lives you have touched. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.