Kevin William Riedy, born January 18, 1960 in North Platte Nebraska, died June 8, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ where he lived for most of his 59 years.
Number 4 of five children, Kevin is survived by his son Maxwell, his mother Patricia, his sisters Beverly and Jennifer and his brothers Clarke and Justin.
While Kevin was born in Nebraska he spent almost his entire life in AZ. Kevin attended Ingleside grade school, Arcadia High School and Northern Arizona University, where he met many of his lifelong friends. He moved to CA for a period of time to work for William Lyons property management and eventually returned to AZ and his beloved Arcadia neighborhood.
Kevin had almost 30 years of experience in the granite and stone business and was considered to be one of the most knowledgeable people in the industry in AZ. He worked for a number of the leading importers in AZ and helped build businesses from the ground up because of his product knowledge and extensive network of contacts. Many of the people Kevin worked with over the years became his extended family and were loved by him.
The true love of his life is his son Maxwell. Max brought great joy to Kevin and was always a light in the darkness when the trials and tribulations of life got to be overwhelming. He was a proud father who, along with his mother “Gramma Pat”, were committed to making sure Max had the opportunities he needed to succeed in life. Kevin succeeded as a father and Max is the proof.
Kevin is remembered for his larger-than-life personality, sense of humor and the ability to draw everyone close with a good story. He was tough but fair and never missed a moment to bring a smile and laughter to those around him. He was a loving Father, son and brother and we will miss him every day.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to a program that Kevin often said saved his life in 2002. Go to: https://valleyhope.org/about-us/
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.
Reception to follow at the Elk’s Lodge 2148, 6398 E Oak St, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 , 12PM until 3PM.
Anett Rowe
Always had a smile and “how you doing?” and really meant it and stood there and looked you in the eye to hear the answer. Truly a friend who was always nice to bump into. Always the Dad who was there with all the moms, working the ice-cream socials, the auctions, the ‘whatever the kids need’ events from grade school on up. Max has grown up to be a wonderful person and is truly a great legacy and testament to his loving father. God bless.
Shawna Reynolds
Dear Riedy Family,
We are so saddened to hear this news. We enjoyed being neighbors and watching the kids grow up together. We loved seeing Pat and Kevin at Max’s games last year. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Scott Shawna Kristen Alex Natalie & Eric Reynolds
Dan Arndt
We lost a great one. Kevin we will miss you tremendously. God bless you and Max and grandma Pat and your entire household and all those you’ve have touched. Words can’t express how sorry the Arndt family is for your loss.
Wade Cline
Dear Riedy family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Max you truly were everything to Kevin. Kevin and I talked often about what our boys meant to us. He will be missed, is truly an understatement! We will keep his memory alive in our hearts, he was a special person and friend.
Wade and Lisa Cline
Karen Tribby National Countertops & Cabinets
I sincerely offer my prayers and love to your family. Though I only met Kevin a few times at World Stone Imports, he was always so pleasant and a great help. It is always with great sadness that we lose an earthly companion, especially someone young and vibrant. A hardworking, kind person. We just want you to know we are thinking of you and praying the sorrow now will return to joy one day when we meet up with Kevin again one day. God Bless you, and if you are in any need of anything, feel free to send us an email anytime.
Rod Jarvis
Dear Max, Pat, and the entire Riedy family,
We Jarvises go way back to the early days with your family, but my friendship with Kevin was cemented by our boys, Max and Justin. I had known of Kevin in our days at Arcadia High; Kevin was the class behind me, was a big kid, with a big beard, and an orange Jeep, as I recall. He was an impressive figure, but as our circles of friends were not the same, I didn’t come to know him well then. But flash forward many years, and I met Kevin at the 5th birthday party of our youngest son, Justin. We gravitated to each other, as the only dads at the party, and began to catch up. I discovered what a friendly and kind hearted guy Kevin was, and we found each other at countless ball games and kid events thereafter. I was always happier for having spent some time with Kevin, as he always had some kind words and funny stories to tell, usually stories in which he played a role, but not self-aggrandizing tales, rather stories in which, more often than not, he was the butt of the joke. That was his way, to poke fun at himself, and enjoy a good laugh over it with a friend. We also often spoke of the challenges of raising boys, and we shared ideas and questions with one another. These conversations continued, even after we no longer had ballgames to share. We’d call one another from time to time, catching up, sharing stories, seeking advice, looking for solutions to problems that arose. The conversations would last a while, but never seemed long enough. How I shall miss my friend, Kevin! Max–you are a worth heir of your father. Your heart is as kind as your stature is great. People will seek you out as they did your father. I know with certainty that your dad is with you, strengthening you and loving you, though your physical eyes cannot see him. Don’t hesitate to speak with him; I know he’s listening. And if you search your heart, you’ll receive words of love, comfort and guidance in from him. Your friend, Justin, sends his love and condolences from his mission in Missouri. Lots of love to you, Max, and to your Grandma, Pat, and to your aunts and uncles.
Glenda Dirla & Brad Dirla
To Max, Pat & family
Brad I were lucky to have known him. He always had a kind word to say and would do anything to help you. All you had to do was ask. He will be missed.