Memorial for Stephen E. Reagan

It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of my father, Stephen Eugene Reagan. He was a man of remarkable strength, tenacity, and dedication - most especially to his family as a devoted husband and father. My father was also beloved by others as a son, a brother, and a friend.

 

When reflecting upon their memories of him, some may fondly recall my father’s profound love for the ocean as a hardcore surfer with an avid interest in underwater photography, further manifested by his incredible career as a Newport Beach Lifeguard. Others may commemorate his innumerable achievements as a Banker or his military service in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Still more may regard him as that friendly neighbor always working in his garden, remarking with genuine amazement at how beautiful he would make the yard look. For me, he was indeed those things, but he was also so much more. He was, as he had called me as far back as I can remember, my “best buddy,” always so happy and proud to be my dad. He will be sorely missed, and all of us - though happy he no longer suffers - shall grieve the memories we could have had with him, as well as the future milestones in our lives he could have been a part of.

 

My father’s passing concludes a series of intense medical challenges spanning back over four years, beginning with his heart attack on March 29, 2018. He was admitted to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, and underwent a quadruple bypass surgery. From then to the present day, 14 surgeries followed, ranging from procedures like partial foot amputations to a colostomy and an ileostomy. Through it all, my father bore his sufferings with such an abundance of grace, signifying his indomitable will to live, and the vitality of his spirit.

 

During the final two years of his life, my father became exceedingly interested in the Traditional Catholic Faith, which gave forth to a routine of daily Bible readings and Catechesis at the guidance of our Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Jacob, who is a Norbertine Priest at St. Michael’s Abbey. By the grace of Almighty God, he received the Sacraments, the Last Rites, and the Apostolic Blessing shortly before his passing. He departed to his Eternal Reward on Thursday, July 7th, at 3:55pm at Kindred Hospital in Westminster.

 

The abundance of my father’s spiritual provisions just prior to his earthly departure tempers our sorrow with the sweetness of supernatural Hope, knowing someday we truly will be together again. However, even with the moral assurance of our impending reunion, my father’s passing has left our lives feeling broken. For those of us left behind, we will continue to be surrounded by reminders of the brute finality of his physical absence. And sometimes, it’s the littlest things which can stir the heart. The suit and tie he wore on the very day of his heart attack was just found by my mother while she was going through his closet; the car he will never drive again remains parked in our driveway; his room which would normally have the tv on is eerily silent; I suspect these and many other sobering reminders will remain an integral part of everyday life for the foreseeable future.

 

And naturally, speaking of the foreseeable future, the cold-hard reality is that we are in great need of help. We want to honor my father’s wishes to be buried in a Catholic cemetery, to symbolize his abode with Communion of Saints in Heaven. We are currently working with Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach and O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills. As a very rough and preliminary estimate, we are looking at a cost of at least $30K as an aggregate total for the funeral and all other related expenses. To be on the safe side, we’ve made it our goal to raise at least $35K. But any amount no matter how small will help tremendously. Updates regarding specific costs, as well as logistics pertaining to the funeral service, will be promptly posted here as they become known to us.

 

We invite those moved by charity to help us by donating, and to please share with others. For those who prefer to donate directly, you can do so via Venmo @jayregzfa. And, we also implore you all for your prayers as firm believers in their efficacy and power in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Thank you all for your love and support during this difficult time. May the faithfully departed soul of my father, Stephen E. Reagan, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.

 

Ad Jesum Per Mariam,

 

Josh