On April 24, 2018, Lt. Col. John Becker “Mad Jack” Riederich (Retired), at 80 years, “ran out of airspeed, altitude and ideas,” as he lost his battle with leukemia, and not without a fight. John was a graduate of West Haven, CT High School, where he was later inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame for athletic achievement, dedication, courage and character.
A Home Town Hero from West Haven, CT (locally known as Johnny), he graduated from the University of Connecticut and went on to be a pilot in the Air Force. He survived two tours in VietNam as a helicopter rescue pilot, flying the HH43-Husky. He completed over 500 missions in which he retrieved and or recovered every person he was sent after. John achieved the Honor of the Distinguished Flying Cross in VietNam.
John was a pilot in the military for 28 years where he flew a multitude of aircraft including but not limited to F-102’s and F-4’s. He had a profound effect on many under his command. He flew for the airlines both Pan American Airways and Delta. John had a wonderful career and life.
Known as “The Colonel”, “Captain Jack”, “The Duke”, “Giant Jack”, and “Mad Jack”, he had a tremendous impact on many of the youth in Huntington Beach, California. He was not only known as a war hero, but was most known locally for his hard-nosed, no bones about it, tough, and fair coaching style of football. John always emphasized the fundamentals and was a teacher of discipline, pride, and integrity. He is survived by Carole, to whom he was married for 53 years, and three sons, Brent, Bram and Brodie. John was a caring grandfather to 9 grandchildren.
John loved his sports and most importantly his home town of West Haven, Connecticut. Johnny, you will be missed and always remembered for the Giant of a man you were. May you Rest in Peace and forever fly high, screaming across the skies at Mach speeds.
A proper full military honors send-off will take place on May 21, 2018, 1100 hours, at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California. Preston and Simons Mortuary Riverside, CA
Published in Orange County Register on May 20, 2018