Edward Britton "Chip" Reardon

I spent a year at VFCC in 1980. I was amazed at his piano playing and musical talent. It was a highlight of my time there. God rest his soul.

Gerri and Mark, I am so sorry for your loss. Chip will be greatly missed. Take care of yourselves and I will continue to pray for you both.

I met Brother Readon in the fall of 1973. I was a freshman at Northeast Bible Institute. In my college application I indicated that I played organ. I hadn't been a college very long when Brother Reardon approached me to play the organ for the travelling college choir. I laughed and assured him that he did not want me to play for his choir. He persisted and told me that he would work with me. I told him how noble that was of him, but I'm quite sure that he didn't have that kind of time. Long story short I began the choir organist. He stretched me and took me way beyond my comfort zone. I later because one of many chapel organists and pianists. I continue playing on a regular basis for church worship services these nearly 50 years much to the persistence of Brother Reardon.

I've many stories to tell. He and I were often roommates while on our college choir tours. He was an incredible talent and had the sharpest ears and memory I can remember. I am indebted to him. Since those days, I've serviced as a music pastor for 6 churches. I presently serve as pastor of Marlowe Assembly of God in Fallling Waters, WV. I've been here over 23 years serving my home church. Much of what I've done in life, music and church work is a result of some of the influence that Brother Reardon had on me. On occasion we did piano/organ duets. I love he and Gerri dearly. Just think, that one day soon I suspect I'll hear the sweet music of Brother Readon again.

I first met Chip at Fair Hill Pipe Competition in Fair Hill, MD. I forever appreciate the time he took to share his knowledge and ear for bagpiping skills. As a competition judge, he needed a person to write his judge´s score sheets. He prepared me by saying he will expect me to listen going forward for what I heard given his explanations between bands. I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of that lovely afternoon sitting at a picnic table listening to the Grade 5 through Grade 2 pipe bands. I will always remember and speak fondly of Chip for giving his time and sharing his love for piping music to a young 21 yo girl. Life has a way of coming full circle, that girl from Jersey, living in DC at the time would later become a 48 yo TVI (he also helped me through some Nemeth lessons) teaching to this day at Overbrook School for the Blind.

A second note. On choir tour one year, we arrived at a church that had neglected to get the piano tuned for our concert, and it was very out of tune. Chip and I grabbed our tuning kits, and together we worked on the piano. Chip set the temperament, and with me tuning one end, and Chip on the other we tuned it together. We tuned that piano in 15 minutes. It was quite a show. The pastor was so astounded, he called the other churches in the itinerary to tell them to have us check the piano, and stand by to watch the show. We wondered why we were asked to check all the pianos, until one pastor confided that he had received that call and that it would be worth it to see this done. We were quite a team.

Chip was the reason I became a classical pianist in my spare time. As a kid I watched him walk up to the piano and play Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C# Minor, blind. It blew me away. Then he was the tuner for our family piano for a while. Now I finally have a grand piano, I'm learning more Rach music, and I've been thinking of him recently. Thank you and goodbye, Chip!

Chip should be known to most Philadelphians as the guy who piped for the reburial of Joseph Zarelli- the boy in the box- at Ivy Hill cemetery just a few years ago. Glad to know he lived to know his true identity. I knew and worked with Chip on several performances, he was a true master of his craft and consummate artist. Huge loss, he will be sorely missed My condolences to his family.

Brother Reardon was one of my dearest friends. He had the greatest sense of humor. We were room mates on choir tour, he was an absolutely phenomenal piano tuner and my mentor in my early years of tuning. We were constantly teasing one another, and telling one another jokes. I was so devastated the last time I called, he was barely able to converse due to illness, and it so broke my heart. I know that Heaven gained a great tenor, and if there are pianos and pipe organs there, he is playing them. Geri, I know this comes with a great sense of loss and yet with a release from the burden the last few years have been. Chip was so a part of my life and what I became. His legacy will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

I am so sorry , Geri. I will keep you in my prayers. Take one day at a time. God Bless.
Rita Nines - former bus driver

Lois and I remember some funny things about "Brother Reardon" from VFCC. Lois remembers him clapping his hands and listening for the echos to help guide himself around campus walks. I remember him riding his 3-wheeled bike around campus, making noises with his mouth to sonar navigate around campus. As a mentor, he was genuine and warm, bright and capable. The world has lost one of its treasures.

I will remember Chip. Everytime
I would see him at church I would call him Chipster. Prayers for Gerri and Mark now and forever. You will always be missed sincerely.

Mark and Family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of you father. My prayers are for him ,you and your entire family. Your friend
Gerry Higgins MLFT