Kevin Joseph Reidy

Kevin Joseph Reidy of Montgomery, NY, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the age of 87.

Born on March 15, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late William and Anne Flavin Reidy. He met his wife, Katherine, when he was 17, and they shared 69 wonderful years together.

Kevin dedicated his life to service, beginning his career with the New York Police Department (NYPD) before transitioning to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. His commitment to helping others extended beyond his career.

A devoted member of Most Precious Blood Church in Walden, NY, Kevin worked at the church and spent 28 years caring for Most Precious Blood Church, St. Benedict’s Church, rectory, convent, and school, ensuring that everything was tended to with his skillful hands and generous spirit.

After 9/11, Kevin returned to active duty to assist in transporting families to Ground Zero in search of their loved ones and performed at scores of services for victims' families, playing the bagpipes as a tribute to those lost.

In his retirement, his love of music led him to teach himself to play the bagpipes, and he proudly founded the Retired Firefighter Bagpipes Band of Orange County. A gifted musician, he also played the guitar, banjo, trumpet, and piano. He could also be found in the kitchen cooking. A self-taught cook, Kevin often prepared meals for the guys at the firehouse, as well as for family and friends, bringing people together through his love of food. He had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying hiking and camping, embracing nature whenever he could. When he wasn’t playing music, cooking, or exploring the outdoors, he could often be found on the golf course, enjoying rounds with his sons and daughters. His strong work ethic instilled in all of us the importance of dedication, perseverance, and service.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Katherine (Coyle) Reidy, and his children Michael Reidy & his wife Cecilia, Denise Knight & her husband Steve, Bill Reidy & his wife Jen, Carolyn Reidy and her husband Spyros, Daughter-in-law Cheryl Reidy; He was a cherished grandfather to Eric Reidy (Meaghan), Eoin Reidy, Stephen Knight, Fiona Reidy, Julia Tinker (Jacob), Danny Knight, and Chris Knight and a beloved great-grandfather to Leo, Aksel, and Eloise.

Kevin was predeceased by his son, Kevin M. Reidy, as well as his brother, Bill Reidy, and sister, Barbara Berthiaume.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, NY 12586.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Most Precious Blood Church, 42 Walnut St., Walden, NY 12586.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Montgomery, NY. A reception will follow the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.

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