Funeral Services Released for Gonzaga’s Reyda
Joe passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at his home in Kensington, MD, at the age of 55. He was the beloved husband of Tricia Hayes Reyda; devoted father of Molly Reyda and Caroline Reyda; son of Steve and the late Margaret Reyda; brother of Steve, Mick, and the late Ken Reyda. Every day his family and many friends will miss Joe’s infectious grins, his heartfelt and endearing texts, his humble and spiritual approach to life, his passion for sports, and adamant stance when it came to doing the right thing.
He served as Gonzaga College High School’s dedicated Athletic Director for the past 22 years, during which Gonzaga won 183 championships. He also was coach of the Gonzaga football team for 18 years and the golf team for nine. Joe coached and counseled thousands of young men to become caring, dedicated and honorable adults during the 34 years he worked at Gonzaga, and he truly believed he had the world’s best job. A proud class of ’85 graduate himself, Joe embodied the Gonzaga “men for others” mantra. He attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and received a B.S. in 1990. Joe stayed near his happy Bethesda home, which is where he developed his incredible sense of caregiving. For many years, Joe and his father provided compassionate care for his mother, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis.
Joe’s two daughters were the lights of his life. He was infinitely proud of the intelligent, hardworking and independent women Molly and Caroline have become and recently spent his “best Father’s Day ever” enjoying their company. Very much her father’s daughter, Molly embodies Joe’s intentional and thoughtful outlook on life. Joe deeply admired Caroline’s zest for adventure and relentless positivity. If you knew Joe, though, you knew that his life’s true love was his “Trishy,” wife of 26 years.
Joe and Tricia met at the Washington wedding of Johanna and John Goetcheus and were married themselves two years later. Joe was immediately embraced by Tricia’s parents, sisters, nieces and nephews, as an adored family member. Living around the DMV and then finally settling into Kensington and the Holy Redeemer community, they enjoyed raising their girls to try new things and value times together with family. They embraced life, enjoying nights out with friends, concerts and any venue that featured Miller Lite. They were excited to have recently purchased Tricia’s dream house in Maine.
“Judge” held the unique ability to make you feel like you really meant something to him and that you were the most important person in the room, whether you were a valet or CEO. A lover of country music and Billy Joel, he was loyal, generous and the best hugger in town. Joe also was the most honest person you could meet, except for maybe a “bit” of highballing when it came to his golf handicap.
Joe also loved golfing and Florida trips with his father and brothers and spending time with his 11 nieces and nephews. Although they were born first, Steve and Mick said they always looked up to their brother and valued the way he always wanted to have “one more” just to extend their times together. They, and so many friends and family members who loved him, wish they could have had just one more with Joe.
Relatives and friends may call at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church, 900 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC, on Friday, June 30, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., when a Vigil Service will take place. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Aloysius on Saturday, July 1 at 11 a.m. Interment Private.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Coach Reyda to Gonzaga College High School at www.gonzaga.org/reyda.
