John C. Reid

John C. Reid
formerly of Chelmsford; 67

John C. Reid (67), Ret. Paramedic of Perth Amboy, NJ affectionately known as "Papa", "The Captain" and "Papa John" passed away peacefully in his residence and is now with his soulmate Terry in Heaven.

John is predeceased by his loving parents Douglas and Phyllis Reid of Chelmsford, MA.

John was born in Malden, MA. He was a graduate of Chelmsford High School 1968, Southern Maine Vocational Technical Associates 1970 and earned his Bachelors at Southampton College Long Island University 1972. He worked for EBASCO Services 1973-1980 with the Engineering Firm, the World Trade Center and as a Marine Scientist as well as for EG&G as an Oceanographer Envirosphere Marine Scientist in the Philippines from 1974-1976. He traveled to far off places and always sent home airmail, special coins and other finds. His most cherished destination was "The Pennsy House" otherwise known as God's Country.

He joined the Port Monmouth, NJ Volunteer First Aid Squad in 1977. He became an EMT, Captain, and achieved Life Member Status. He was an FF1 at Monmouth Fire Academy and finished Paramedic School in 1983, thus beginning his highly decorated life of service to those in need of Emergency Care. Beginning with MONOC in the 1980's, Perth Amboy MICU from 1983-2015 along with 20 years at UMDNJ-Newark and RWJUH as a Medic. The world became a place where everyone knew that if Papa John…The Captain…was on scene they could all take comfort in knowing not only were the patients in good hands but those who served alongside of him. He was often credited for critical thinking that made the difference between life and death in highly stressful situations. He had the ability to maintain composure under pressure, professionalism and wit… "I got this". There are countless civilians and members of the Uniformed Services and their families who know firsthand all he has done in efforts to save lives. He has delivered countless babies too! Despite often being referenced as a hero, John has often stated he was just a hard working paramedic doing his job.

He was a two-time recipient of the Meritorious Award, received the Life Saving Award, a Recipient of the 200 Club Award, the Paramedic Team Excellence Award and was a September 11th, 2011 Responder.

Of all of the awards one could achieve he was most proud of the title "DAD" and "Papa". He never stopped praising to all who would listen the accomplishments of his children Major Eric Reid, US Army (Ret.) now Owner of AeroFit; Megan James, Inspira LIFE LCSW Mgr. (Craig, Conservation Officer), Susan Simon, Emergency Department RN, BSN at Community Medical Center (Timothy PAFD Ret. Battalion Chief), Joshua Reid, Senior Vice President of Municipal Trading at R. Seelaus & Co. (Jeannine, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley), Vanessa Casablanca, Central Scheduler for OR at HMH at RBMC (Raul), Benjamin Casablanca, Licensed Optician (Alex) and Rosanna O'Mallon, RN at Maimonides (Sean FDNY Brooklyn). To all of his precious grandchildren Chloé, Sydney, Julia, Boden, Natalie, Jordyn, Zachary, Cameron, Coleten, Noah, Ava and Jocelyn…Papa is very proud of who you are and all that you will do in this life.

John's family would like to express gratitude beyond measure to all who loved, cared for and supported both he and his family over countless years…we are forever blessed.

We will begin to leave on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 10:15 am from the Gustav J. Novak Funeral Home, 419 Barclay Street, Perth Amboy for a funeral mass at 11 am at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish at Holy Trinity Church. Interment will be private. Visiting is on Thursday from 5 - 9 pm and Friday from 2 - 4

& 7 - 9 pm.