Michael Reardon

Michael Lance Reardon, born on a summer day, July 8th, 1946, near the shores of Lake Erie in Toledo, Ohio, lived a life defined by passion, dedication, and an infectious spirit. He carried the hard-nosed approach of the upper Midwest throughout his 79 years, never doing anything halfway. Yet, he also possessed a remarkable ability to forge lifelong friendships and nurture relationships with grace and dignity.

His journey led him to Tooele, Utah, where he met his first wife and had two children, Kristin Reardon and David Reardon. While in Tooele, he discovered his first love, football, which marked the beginning of a lifelong career coaching the game he adored. More than just a coach, Mike was a mentor, instilling hard work and values in countless young people and guiding dozens of other coaches along the way. His impact on the lives he touched through football was immeasurable, starting at Grantsville High School in the late 60s and continuing through Tooele High School, Colorado State University, West High School, Granite High School, University of New Hampshire, and Cottonwood High School.

Later in life, he found his soulmate, Kathleen "Trixie" Marchessault Reardon. For nearly 33 years, they shared a profound love, with Trixie standing as his biggest fan, unwavering supporter, and devoted caregiver. Their bond was a testament to enduring love and partnership. In 1998, they made their home in Mesa, Arizona, where he continued his coaching legacy at Highland High School, Saguaro High School, winning the State Championship in 2006, and finishing his career at Mesquite High School.

Outside of his own family, coaching football was the center of his soul. He loved every one of his players and coaches like they were family and even recently spoke of how he wanted to get back into coaching, even as sick as he had been. He also had a passion for music and was a talented guitar player, finding a pastime learning new songs and buying new guitars. He was honored to play in a local Arizona band called Fight Club and cherished the time he was able to perform with them.

Mike's two granddaughters, Taylor and Elle, were a constant source of immense joy and love for the last 23 years. Not a day or week passed without him finding a way to weave them into his conversations, a proud grandfather whose love for his family shone brightly in every word. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 13th, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and an unforgettable impact on all who knew him.

Survived by his wife Kathy, his daughter, Kristin Reardon, his son David and daughter-in-law Kristi (Sherk) Reardon, his granddaughters Taylor and Elle Reardon and his two dogs OT (Overtime) and Irish (ND), and a number of close friends, some recent and some for life.

There will be a celebration of life in both Utah and Arizona.

The Utah event will be held November 15, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Market Street Grill in Cottonwood Heights. Speakers at 1:30 p.m. 2985 E Cottonwood Pkwy, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

The Arizona event will be held February 7, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Mesquite High School Auditorium. 500 S McQueen Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael Reardon, please visit our flower store.