John Henry Reedy III

Dedicated To Family

Dr John H. Reedy III, 90, of Newtown, and formerly of Harvard, Mass., died peacefully at the home of his beloved daughter Judith Scott and son Robert Finucane on February 4.

Dr Reedy had retired from his profession as an economist at the end of a 24-year career with the consulting firm Arthur D. Little, headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. During his career with Arthur D. Little, he consulted for the US and foreign governments in developing countries around the world. Dr Reedy’s focus was advising governments on domestic and foreign economic policies.

Born in Dallas, on March 4, 1917, Dr Reedy grew up in Urbana, Ill., and proudly obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, where his father was a member of the chemistry faculty. He then earned his master’s degree at Indiana University.

After earning his doctorate at New York University, he went onto Penn State University to be a professor of economics. He was also a published author and Alpha Kappa Lambda alum.

During his associate professorship at Indiana University, he met his wife of 65 years, Billie Lou Reedy. They are survived by their children, Judith Scott of Newtown, and Robert Hurt, Carolyn Benston, and John Reedy IV, all of Tucson, Ariz. Dr Reedy was the beloved grandfather to five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Jason and Valerie Scott of Newtown and their children Emma and Mackenzie; Erin and Jim McMurray of Ridgefield and their children Maxwell and Reed; Robert and Sara Hurt of Virginia and their children Louden and Sloane; Kimberly and Todd Willett of North Carolina and their boys; and Joseph Haenn of Virginia.

Dr Reedy dedicated his life to his family and his work. Known by all as an avid reader and scholar, his quest for knowledge remained a “true hobby” and passion throughout his life. In the past, he enjoyed being a member of the Housatonic Friends Meeting in New Milford. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Arrangements are in care of Honan Funeral Home in Newtown. A memorial service will be held in Indianapolis, Ind., in the spring. Donations can be made in the name of Dr John H. Reedy III to Cyrenius Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470; 426-4533.

The Newtown Bee        February 8, 2008