Louis Michael Redard, known to many as “Mike” and later affectionately as “Papa Mike,” was born on April 22, 1943, in Hackensack, New Jersey. He passed away on December 16, at the age of 82.

Mike was raised in Park Ridge, New Jersey, and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1965 aboard the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier—an experience he treasured deeply. Years later, he returned to the Intrepid with family and friends, sharing stories from his time onboard.

He owned and operated his own roofing and siding company in New Jersey, and later in Sullivan County after relocating to Hankins, NY. Following his retirement from roofing, he began a second career as a property manager for Picone & Son. After ten years, he retired once more but continued his close friendship with the Picone family.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting in the woods with his brother Kenny, behind their homes, keeping meticulous records of each deer he harvested over the years. He enjoyed golf and spent many Tuesdays at French Woods with friends, as well as cherished annual outings with his sons.

Mike was a lover of life—his family, friends, pets (past and present), the Yankees and Giants, his weekly neighborhood football pool, and traveling and cruising the Caribbean with those he loved. He cherished an ice-cold garage beer with David to escape “the women,” BBQs at Ray and Millie’s, a good frozen cocktail, and a Jimmy Buffett song. A man of faith and integrity, he was always the one to say grace at family dinners. His smile and good humor will be deeply missed.

He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Margaret (Attas) Redard; his Aunt Grace Williamson; cousin Bonnie Unger; nephew Kenneth Redard, Jr.; and Anne Weatherly.

He is survived at home by his partner of many years, Bonnie Schum, along with their dog, Harley, and their cat, the Emperor. He is also survived by his three loving sons and their families: Darren and Monique, and their children Brynlee and Brandon; Michael and Alicia, and their children Brianna and Michael Jr.; and Brian and his partner, Tori Clement, and their son, Romeo.

He leaves behind Bonnie’s children and their families, with whom he shared a special bond: Tara and David Hirsch, and their children, Colleen and Kerry; Regina Murphy and her children, Ryan and Aidan; and Raymond Schum.

Mike is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Redard, and his partner, Charlotte Grossman; his niece, Louann Redard, her husband, Ryan Sturdevant, and their daughter, Kenley; and his cousin, Linda Mackey.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 2 Fremont Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. A celebration of Mike’s life will follow from 2–6 p.m. at the Park Ridge American Legion, 118 Ridge Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Delaware Ambulance Corps.