Robert J. Reddington III, 60, of Ridge Street, Hanover Township, died on Tuesday, September 19, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He was born on December 4, 1962, in Pittston, the son of the late Robert J. and Mary Alice Orth Reddington Jr.
Rob was a 1980 graduate of Seton Catholic High School and received his BS in 1984 from King’s College, where he was a member of the baseball team. During his career, Rob worked in sales, consulting, and telecommunications.
Rob met his wife, Margaret T. Vrabel Reddington, at the Woodlands. They were married on May 14, 1988. To exit the wedding reception, Rob dressed as Superman and whisked his bride away. The two recently celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary.
In December of 2001, Rob and Margaret went all the way to China to adopt their daughter, Maggie Mei Reddington. As a father, Rob unwaveringly supported Maggie in all of her endeavors. From attending Irish dance competitions to helping her with homework and offering career guidance, he was ever present.
As a son, Rob took the commandment of “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother” to heart. He cared for both of his parents as each struggled with illnesses before their deaths. Rob, relying on his abundant resourceful optimism, even spearheaded efforts to seek experimental treatments in Philadelphia for his ailing dad. No obstacle was ever seen as too great for Rob.
As a big brother, “Robbie” was incomparable - loving and dependable, yet as many older brothers often are, sometimes exasperating in his bossiness. He doled out the orders through the end. His three younger sisters - Louise, Patricia, and Jamie - are so thankful for his benevolent and stern direction throughout their lives and will miss him dearly.
Anyone who knew Rob knows that he was passionate about athletics. He was an avid cyclist, peddling the bike leg for his team competing in the Wilkes-Barre Triathlon for many years. Finally in 2008 on his 20th attempt, The Pink Ribbons placed first in the Mixed Relay Division. This victory was followed by another 1st place win in 2009.
Above all, Rob was passionately devoted to his Catholic faith. He attended Mass daily and prayed the Rosary incessantly, cultivating a deep relationship with the Blessed Mother, whom he referred to as “The Real Deal.” In his last hours he expressed profound thanks for both Rev. Paul McDonnell and Rev. Thomas Petro for both separately administering to him the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and an Apostolic Pardon on each of the last two days of his life. Rob, with his wife and daughter close by, died in Hope, just as in life he would, as aptly expressed by Monty Python, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Thank you, Rob, Devoted Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Friend, and most importantly Servant of God.
Rob is survived by his wife of 35 years, Margaret T. Vrabel Reddington; daughter, Maggie Mei Reddington, New York, NY; sisters, Louise Lynch and Patricia Danei, Pittston, and Jamie Seamands, St. Louis, MO; his beloved “second parents” John and Mary Alice Kazista, Clarks Summit, PA; maternal aunts Margaret (Peggy) Duda, Plymouth, Sally Colarusso, Pittston, and Denise Barbera, West Pittston; lifelong best friends/brothers Jack Donahue, Hazle Township and Las Vegas, NV, Tony Gitkos, Hughestown, and John Kudey, Swoyersville; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends and relatives Friday, September 29, 2023, from 5pm-8pm in Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 9:30am in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William Street, Pittston. Interment, St. Mary’s Assumption Cemetery, Hughestown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at the discretion of the donor.