John Harold Reddy

John Harold Reddy, 75, passed away the evening of 22 January, 2022.  He was at home and surrounded by family. John (Jerry) was born in Glen Ridge, NJ on July 7, 1946.  He migrated with the family from NJ to Easton, PA and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1965. He immediately joined the US Navy and was trained as a Boiler Technician. Jerry selflessly served this Nation, in the Navy, for over 20 years and rose to the rank of Senior Chief — The Navy’s second highest enlisted grade.  Upon retirement from active duty, Jerry immediately joined the Navy again as a civil servant and spent the rest of his working life assuring that the power plants in the ships that comprise the Nation’s East Coast Reserve Fleet, were at the required operational readiness level. Jerry became one of the Nations experts in Maritime steam generation.   

Jerry leaves behind quite a legacy.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, in-law and brother. He loved his entire family.  He was a dedicated sailor, mechanic, photographer and car lover of '57 Chevys.  While an avid model railroader, he also gave his time to restore a vintage Pine Creek Railroad steam engine that when restored, was used to take children on rides. He was the family historian and loved the history of the ship, the Leviathan.   Jerry was known as a fun-loving happy man but during serious conversations was a man of few words.  When asked, Jerry’s advice was always straightforward, thoughtful, balanced and objective.  He was a practical, common-sense guy who always took the time to listen.  

Jerry was the son of the late John Henry Reddy and Mary Ann Cunningham Reddy.  He left behind his wife Joan, and 8 children — daughter, Virginia Mahaffey and husband, Joe of Oskaloosa, IA; daughter, Dawn Reddy Jones and husband, Bruce, of Orange Park Florida; daughter, Patricia Reddy Parkinson and husband, John of Chesapeake, VA: son, John Reddy Jr, and partner, Jill Mercy, of Middletown, NJ; daughter, Roxann Silver and husband, Bob, of Freehold NJ; son, Scott Reddy of Oskaloosa IA; son, Butch Kochel and wife, Jamie of Middletown NJ; and daughter, Holly Maddock, and wife, Heidi, of Gainesville GA. Jerry also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  Two brothers, Robert Reddy and Michael Reddy; four sisters, Ann Cross, Irene Lambert, Mary Alice Fassl, and Frances Young; and many nieces and nephews.  He will be sorely missed by all.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home & Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.