John Paul Reardon, Jr.

REARDON, JR., JOHN P. – John P. (Jack) Reardon, Jr., a legendary and revered figure at Harvard University, where he transformed the lives of countless students and bettered the institution itself in a career that spanned six decades, passed away at his North Weymouth home on June 23. He was 88. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Jane (Kinnealey), and his brother, Thomas M. Reardon of Cohasset.

Jack grew up in Cohasset. His mother, Rosamond T. Reardon, was a schoolteacher; his father, John P. Reardon, Sr., was a surgeon. Jack graduated from Milton Academy in 1956 and arrived at Harvard College as a freshman with the class of 1960. He earned an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School before joining the Boston Redevelopment Authority under Edward J. Logue.

Jack returned to Harvard in 1965 and went on to serve the university with distinction in an extraordinary array of roles as a leader in admissions, undergraduate life, athletics, alumni affairs and development, and governance. Among other roles, he served for 13 years in Harvard College admissions, rising to become director and associate dean, 12 years as director of athletics, 24 years as associate vice president for university relations and executive director of the Harvard Alumni Association, 11 years as senior adviser for alumni affairs and development, and briefly as acting secretary of the university’s governing boards. As athletics director and later as executive director of the Harvard Alumni Association, he was a pioneer in expanding opportunities for women in varsity sports and engaging Radcliffe alumnae with Harvard alumni affairs.

Jack’s formal roles only begin to convey his impact and reach. He served across generations as an invaluable confidant and counselor to Harvard presidents, board members, deans and vice presidents, colleagues, alumni, and students. He was known for his uncanny wisdom, his vast network of friendships, his matchless savvy about people, his trademark warmth and humility, his unfailing optimism and sense of humor, and his passionate devotion to an institution he loved. Quiet and modest, Jack nonetheless had a gift for bringing differing sides into harmony, even in the most contentious moments. He was a true diplomat, a statesman, and an alchemist.

Receiving the Harvard Medal in 2014, Jack was cited for having “shaped the Harvard we know and love, touching and changing countless lives through [his] skillful leadership and sage counsel, [his] impeccable judgment and inimitable way with people.” Harvard has created several lasting testaments in his name: a professorship, an undergraduate scholarship fund, and a fund to support intercollegiate athletics. In addition, the Harvard Alumni Association’s annual award for distinguished volunteer service by alumni now bears his name.

Beyond his decades-long service to Harvard University and Milton Academy, which honored him with its highest honor, the Milton Medal, in 2015 to recognize his lifetime of service, Jack served on the boards of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Harvard Cooperative Society, Harvard Magazine, and the Harvard Clubs of Boston and New York. His lifelong dedication to education was further reflected in his past service as chair of the Cohasset School Committee and as a trustee of Thayer Academy in Braintree and Roxbury Latin School. He spent countless hours helping young people with many different backgrounds and aspirations to consider and pursue their pathways in life.

Jack was also a devoted man of faith. The St. Anthony Parish in Cohasset was one of the communities closest to his heart. He was also active in St. Paul’s Parish in Cambridge and the Harvard Catholic Center.

Jack married the former Jane Kinnealey in 1989, and their mutual devotion and remarkable partnership were an inspiration to all. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and close friends, and he reveled in their company, their achievements, and their love. He was a guiding light in the lives of his nieces and nephews and their many children, for whom he cared deeply.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday, June 30, 4-7 pm, at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 160 S. Main St., Cohasset. A funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, July 1, at 11 am at St. Anthony Church, 10 Summer St., Cohasset. All are welcome. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the John P. Reardon, Jr. Scholarship Fund www.alumni.harvard.edu/giving or 800-837-4827) or the Harvard Catholic Center www.harvardcatholic.org/support