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John Reddington Obituary
With my best friend, John Paradise, I saw the moonlit Grand Canyon, was blinded by the sunset over the Rockies, and felt the New England wind in my face right before I shattered my leg in a Harley accident. We shared a love for craftsmanship and architecture. When I couldn't work in construction, I still made a fine porch swing and one hell of a birdhouse.
Sports always played a major role in my life, basketball in particular. From my days in the halls of Scranton Prep to the courts at Georgetown University, the friends I made stayed close throughout my life. The only thing I loved more than good competition, was winning.
I was the youngest of six born to Dorothy Boland Reddington and J. Frank Reddington, M.D., and had a happy childhood with my three sisters, Franny, Dodo and Cinda, and my brother, Nick. All of my siblings grew up to be very different people, but to each of them I stayed the baby of the family.
When my kidneys began to fail, Dodo did the research on kidney transplants, assuming she would be the donor, however, Franny turned out to be the perfect match. Giving an organ is not easy and I was always so thankful to her and to her husband, Joe Garvey, who supported her in that decision and helped me so much over the years.
I was so proud of my accomplished and thoughtful nieces and nephews who married wonderful people: Franny/Rick (John R.I.P), Bubba/Rachel, Kathleen/Jeremy, Christian/Jeanine, Joey/Treena, Jennifer Darling/Eric, and Billy/TBD (607-592-0147), and I adored their considerate and inquisitive children and our family's next generation of storytellers: Annie, Jackie, Jimmy, Will, Mary Kate, Tommy, Max, John, Eric and Jack.
The single most important person in my life - and the reason I made it to 66 - was my wife, my "dahlink," Silke. She was not only my foundation of love and kindness, but is beloved by my family and friends. Together we experienced the splendor of the world, the joys of traveling with countless friends, and the laughter of true love.
To all of you who shared in this wonderful adventure, thank you. I hope it was as exciting for you as it was for me. TTFN.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton. Friends may call Friday, Oct. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St., Scranton, as well as Saturday from noon to 12:50 p.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, please honor John's love of books by making a contribution to the Albright Memorial Library, 500 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18509.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Reddington
Kerstin Thierbach (Eckelmann)
June 22, 2018
Dear Silke, I am very sorry for your loss. I met John at our visit in Scranton. I sometimes think fondly of these few days and both of you.
Helen Kish
October 27, 2017
John was an extraordinary man, and there's a hole in my heart knowing that I'll never see him again. I will miss him beyond what words can possibly express.
Catherine Laughna
October 22, 2017
Dear Silke and family,
I was profoundly saddened to hear of John's passing. He was a rare man, someone who met adversity with grace and courage and was an example for us all. My husband, Michael, who played basketball with John at Georgetown, greatly admired him. I feel privileged to have known such a remarkable man.
Dana Hitchcock
October 19, 2017
Dear Silke,
I am so sorry for you loss. Your dear family was always my family and visiting you and Uncle Johnny was a great part of it.
My thoughts are with you!
Much love,
Dennis O'Brien
October 19, 2017
John was a great source of comfort and support to my brother Joey in the last few month's of Joe's life. They reconnected when Joe was in the hospital at some point. I certainly remember John's prowess on the basketball court. But I'll remember him for that even more.
October 19, 2017
I have never had the honor of meeting Mr. Reddington, but was so touched by his beautiful words that I wanted to express my sympathy for your loss. My prayers are with you all.
Donato Rinaldi
October 18, 2017
I want to express my sincere condolences to everyone in John's family especially cousins Fran and Joe and Christian and Jeanine. Thinking of you and sending prayers. Love, Donato, Sue and Victoria Rinaldi
Kathleen Foley
October 18, 2017
Johnny was my friend because he was Dorothy's brother - he was so present in her life and in Bill's, and such a natural part of our Ithaca community. He took to all of her friends with such welcome and ease. Both Dorothy and Johnny were beautiful human beings. I'm grateful to have known them and to have been taught by them. My son Henry carries the name Reddington as his middle name in their honor. I hope wherever they are they're happy to be together again. Sitting on a porch swing, righteous, irreverent and laughing.
Nancy Payton
October 17, 2017
John Reddington..... What a guy! We all knew that as kids. Then, as adults, we marveled at the man he became. My sincere condolences to his loved ones. I am saddened by this loss. May he rest in peace.
Danny Portanova
October 16, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Janet Brier
October 16, 2017
So very sorry to hear about John. He was a kind, generous, intelligent gentleman who was always a delight to encounter despite whatever was going on physically. A very brave man. My deepest condolences to his faithful caring wife and family.
October 16, 2017
On behalf of our whole staff, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Your friends at Traditional Hospice
Kelly Mike
October 15, 2017
John was our James Bond... Suave, debonair and complex. Bobby Nape and I would pile into his truck to intertube at ski areas at night. How do you come up with that.Easy if you were with Red.
Joe Lukas
October 15, 2017
Played against John , Exhibition games, when i was at Riverside. Basketball games were very competitive So sad to hear of his passing. May God bless John and condolences the the family.
October 15, 2017
So sorry to know that this lovely man is gone -- sincere condolence to Silke and family -- Nancy and Tom Pincus
Connie Ross
October 15, 2017
My deepest sympathy to all. John was a remarkable man who loved and lived life to the fullest. It was a pleasure knowing him. I always enjoyed seeing and talking with him.,( usually over a beer.) You are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP John
Tim McGee
October 15, 2017
John had a profound influence upon my life because of that day in German class when he asked, Hey, Mod, do you want to go interview for the Rotary Student Exchange scholarships? Viewing it as a way to get out of the house on a school night, I said, Sure, why not? Thanks to John's invitation, I spent the year after high school in India. Thank you, John. You were a prince among men.
Kathy Boyle
October 15, 2017
Dear Fran and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss of John. I got to know him through oue Transplant group TAGS. He was a wo derful person. He endured so much through out the years. God Bless him and you Fran.
Love and prayers,
Kathy Boyle
Bill Hessmiller
October 15, 2017
I am so sad to learn of John's passing. My sincerest condolences to each and every family member. I remember meeting John in fourth grade at St Peter's Cathedral grade school. We immediately became best friends. I knew right away that John was awesome! We only saw each other a few times through the years, but each time we chatted like we never missed a day of hanging out! Just a few months ago, I bumped into John at Davita in Dunmore. He was so tired and I was so sad when we parted. However, while we chatted, he lit up and we laughed about old times. He even chuckled about always having his birthday off from school. He reminded me it's on December 8th, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. We talked about his wonderful family, the great times we had, and our many sleepovers. John, you will ALWAYS be amazing and you will always be my BEST FRIEND!
Peter Crynes
October 15, 2017
With dearest and grateful memories of wonderful experiences with the Reddington's, I offer my dearest sympathy and prayers. John's obituary is an outstanding tribute to the gift of life. May you all continue to experience his spirit and strength. Peace
October 15, 2017
I played ball with John at Camp St. Andrew several years ago.I'll never forget how the girls lit up when he walked into Shadowbrook for some ice cream.He was a true gentleman.
Jennifer
October 15, 2017
I don't know your loved one, but how original this was. I hate reading obituaries that do not tell a story. This brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss. John sounds like he was the life of the party.
Dan and Ann Ritterbeck
October 10, 2017
Very sorry for your loss.John was a great guy.May he rest in peace.
October 10, 2017
Silke and Family, So sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man. It has been a pleasure and honor knowing him. I will miss our talks. He fought a long battle courageously. Heaven just received an exceptional angel. RIP John.
Larry O'Hara
October 9, 2017
John was a fine man, in his early years at Prep, we worshipped him. A tough basketball player. Years later, playing softball with Ben, he was a true gentle giant, never liked how we classified him as basketball genious
us, but he was. A fine young man. God bless you John.
Marty and Charlotte Gallagher's
October 8, 2017
Dear Silke and family,
We are all blessed by having known John, also affectionately known as, JR and Red. He had great curiosity for every aspect of life. He was a person of exceptional wit.
We will miss him. Please accept our condolences.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Deborah Cesari
October 8, 2017
Silke and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. John was a great man and a dear friend. His endurance and courage with all his obstacles was an inspiration though he rarely complained. He will be surely missed by me and all who had the pleasure to know him. Rest in peace my friend.
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