John Sherburne Reidy, 87
REIDY, John Sherburne Influential Wall Street Media Analyst. Dies at 87.
A Harvard-educated pioneer in broadcasting and telecommunications research, he helped shape modern media investing.
Remembered as a mentor, philanthropist, world traveler, and legendary host.
John Sherburne Reidy, died peacefully at home in Wareham, Massachusetts, surrounded by family, on September 11, 2025. He was 87. He was born February 25, 1938, in Boston to John and Alice Reidy.
John attended Dexter School in Brookline and Milton Academy, graduated from Harvard College in 1961, served in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, and earned an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1963.
He began his career in New York at Loeb, Rhoades & Co., later joining Drexel Burnham Lambert and Smith Barney, where he became widely known for his incisive and influential media research. While at Smith Barney, he co-founded and managed the Global Media and Telecommunications Conference, which grew into one of Wall Street's premier annual industry events. Known as "THE Media Analyst," he frequently appeared on Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser, explaining complex market trends with clarity and wit.
Despite a formidable work ethic and fierce competitiveness, Mr. Reidy was deeply devoted to family and friends. He took pride in mentoring younger colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends. He was exuberant, endlessly curious, and interested in a wide range of subjects.
John traveled extensively through Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, often solo and always with his Leica camera. His museum-quality slides captured cultures and landscapes from a bygone era.
A loyal friend and legendary host, he welcomed countless friends to his Wareham home. For many summers, he housed Wareham Gatemen baseball players and coaches who dubbed the house Reidyville. Affectionately known as "UJ," he was a memorable and singular presence.
John was a generous supporter of Harvard, establishing a scholarship for foreign students, and supported the Epiphany School in Roxbury, environmental organizations, and friends in need. He was a devoted parishioner at All Souls Church in New York City, where he donated a community room in honor of his parents.
His New Mexico family remained close to his heart. One of his earliest jobs came during high school, when he was given a summer job by his uncle, Judge Bob Reidy, delivering commodities to the Pueblos, an early sign of the responsibility and loyalty that would define his life.
He is survived by his sisters, Susan (Noftsker) and Sherburne (Worthen); Sherburne's husband, Thomas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Jane (Resnick, Peterson); and his beloved Goldendoodle, Rocky.
A Celebration of his Life will be held in Spring 2026. Donations in his memory may be made to the Buzzards Bay Coalition: www.savebuzzardsbay.org
