Justice Timothy Aloysius Reardon

1941 - 2025

Justice Timothy Aloysius Reardon
08/21/1941 - 03/17/2025
Justice Timothy A. Reardon, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected jurist, and fierce competitor in both the ring and the courtroom, passed away on St. Patrick's Day 2025. His life was one of service, excellence, and commitment to faith, family, and profession.
Born in San Francisco on August 21, 1941, to William and Doris Reardon, Tim was the grandson of his namesake, Timothy Reardon, who was San Francisco's Director of Public Works under Mayor "Sunny Jim" Rolph. Like his grandfather, the younger Tim was also a natural leader from an early age. He and his brother Bill excelled in academics and athletics at St. Agnes, where Tim first displayed his skills as a boxer. He went on to attend Saint Ignatius High School, where he served as student body president and competed on successful baseball, football, and basketball teams.
His talent in baseball earned him a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he also resumed boxing, winning the Notre Dame Bengal Bouts middleweight championship all four years. In Tim's senior year, he was named Notre Dame's "Man of the Year" for his leadership and athletic achievements. He remains one of the most celebrated boxers in Notre Dame history, having never lost a fight and earning the title of "Most Outstanding Boxer" three times.
After graduating, Tim returned to San Francisco and earned his J.D. from Hastings College of Law in 1966. That same year, he married the feisty beauty and love of his life, Maureen Riley, and they set off on a loving marriage that would extend over 50 years.
Tim began his legal career with the California Attorney General's Office, where he served from 1966 to 1983 before being appointed to the San Francisco Municipal Court by Governor George Deukmejian. He was later elevated to the San Francisco Superior Court and, in 1990, to the California Court of Appeal, where he served with distinction. Tim was widely regarded as fair, principled, and nonpartisan-a jurist devoted solely to the pursuit of justice. And just as importantly, he was a lefty, who batted third in the lawyer's league Jake's Ringers.
Respected by his colleagues and admired by those who appeared before him, Tim had a remarkable ability to bring out the best in people. His legal acumen and sense of justice earned him numerous accolades. He received the St. Thomas More Award for exemplary service and dedication to the legal profession, the community, and the church. And in 2009, he accepted the Christ the King Award, St. Ignatius College Preparatory's highest honor.
Beyond his judicial career, Tim dedicated himself to the San Francisco Catholic community. He served as moderator of the St. Cecilia's Youth Organization, lector at St. Cecilia's Church, vice president of SI's Father's Club, and a board member for Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and the Archdiocese of San Francisco's Detention Ministry. He was also a mentor to young attorneys through continuing legal education programs.
Despite all the accolades, Tim's greatest joy was his family. He and Maureen built a beautiful life together, raising four children, Kerry Lucey (Con), Tim Jr. (Gina), Elizabeth Broderick (John), and Sharon Reardon, who carry forward his legacy of faith and service. His son, Tim Jr., and daughters, Liz and Kerry, are dedicated Catholic school educators- Tim at Archbishop Riordan High School and Kerry and Liz at St. Cecilia. And his daughter, Sharon, followed in his footsteps to become a San Francisco Superior Court Judge. Tim, Sr. was also blessed to have extremely close relationships with his 10 grandchildren, Sierra, Kate, Malia, Claire, Seamus, Lizzy, Ruby, Quinn, Delaney, and Luke. The vacations at Saddle Creek and the rounds of golf with his sons-in-law were among his most treasured memories.
He leaves behind a legacy of honor, humility, and steadfast service to his faith, his family, and his community. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a dedicated servant of the law, a loving husband and father, and a true man for others. It is his family's hope that he will be recollected and toasted at future St. Patrick Day celebrations.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 21 from 1-2 pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Cecilia Church on Friday, March 21 at 2pm with a reception to follow at the United Irish Cultural Center.