Richard Carl Reardon, 82, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with his loving wife of 59 years, Ann Reardon, by his side. Richard was born October 20, 1943 in Greenville Hospital in Jersey City, N.J. to the late Carl and Regina Janssen Reardon.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ann Harker Reardon; and his sister, Barbara Doyle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Regina Janssen Reardon.
In 1958, Richard’s family moved from Parma, Ohio to Medford Lakes, N.J. He attended Lanape Regional High School in Medford Lakes and graduated in 1961. He continued his studies of the natural sciences at Utah State University (B.S. 1966) and the University of Michigan (M.S. 1968, Ph.D. 1983).
Throughout his esteemed 53-year career with the USDA Forest Service, Richard worked in various locations, including Hamden, Conn.; Davis, Calif.; and Morgantown. His expertise and passion for entomology were particularly evident in his pioneering work on biological insecticides aimed at managing populations of gypsy moths. He was widely recognized for his efforts, authoring over 100 outreach publications under the FHTET / FHAAST Technical Service, which illustrated effective strategies for enhancing communication and information transfer within the scientific community.
Richard was a distinguished entomologist, whose career spanned over five decades. He dedicated his life to the study and management of insects, making significant contributions to the field of forest entomology. His commitment to understanding and supporting the fields of biological control, invasive species management, and insect conservation left an indelible mark on his colleagues and the environment he loved.
As we remember Richard, we honor not only his impressive professional achievements, but also the caring husband and brother he was. His legacy will endure through the many lives he touched and the vital work he accomplished during his lifetime.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and details of a memorial service will be updated at a later time.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
