Ernest Emord aka "Tommy Reardon" Memorial
Written By Jonathon Emord:

It is indeed an honor for us to see the wonderful tribute that you paid to my father, "Tommy Reardon."  He learned how to box as a boy in Brockton, Massachusetts in the late 1930s.  In his stable were several great boxers, including Rocky Marciano and Goodie Petronelli.  Goodie is still alive and recalls fondly the days when he and my father would spar.  Goodie went on to be Marvelous Marvin Hagler's boxing coach.  Goodie remembers the days when he and my father boxed professionally; in those days it was not unheard of to have three, three round professional fights in one night. They fought toe to toe and were tireless boxing machines. My father served 32 years in the armed forces through World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  He was the boxing coach for the United States Air Force.  He was also the champ of Panama City, Florida.  The late great Ted Williams was a regular fan of my father's; both served in the navy and in the same squadron.  A man of great tenderness who never even spanked me as a child, my father possessed incredible strength, stamina, and courage.  He never looked for a fight outside the ring, but never recoiled from one visited upon him against his will.  I wish for each of your boxers the same strength, stamina, and courage.  I wish for them too something else dear to my father--the honesty and the wisdom to know that with great power comes great responsibility; always that power must be put to good use and therein lies a great boxer's ultimate legacy.  Please keep my father's plaque visible for all young boxers to see; it is a good omen for them: a testament not only to physical prowess but to great character.  We will be sure to send contributions in the years to come.  Thank you all so very much. --Jonathan Emord