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John Michael Reid, 77, of Madison passed away peacefully before dawn on March 19 after a long and valiant battle against cancer. He was at home surrounded by his family, just as he wished. John was born in East Rockaway, New York, the son of the late James and Kathryn (Bresnihan) Reid.

He is survived by Nan (Nancy Sutherland), his beloved wife of nearly 39 years; his daughter Laura Reid of Dubai, UAE; and his son Michael Reid of Larchmont, New York, and his wife Sarah and their daughter Alexandra, John’s only grandchild, whom he adored for the seven months they shared together. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen Lanning and her husband Stephen of Oceanside, New York, and Patricia Orzano and her husband Vincent of Baldwin, New York, and by many nieces and nephews, cousins, others that were like family, and countless dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother James Reid of Santa Rosa, California.

John was a singularly wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. His siblings meant the world to him, and his sisters brought him great comfort with their weekly visits in his last months. John’s friends were many and constant. He instinctively knew how people were feeling and excelled at being there for them, though he was always humble about the impact he had on others. John had a keen wit, a playful spirit, and a magnetic charm, especially when dancing, whether ballroom with two left feet or at weddings where he created a vortex of energy.

After returning from the Army, where he spent 11 months in Vietnam attached to an infantry division, he was hired by IBM in New York City on his very first interview. He stayed with IBM for 40-plus years, working primarily in marketing and sales and motivated by his recruitment and training contributions. He moved several times during his career but loved his days in Boston, where he met and married Nan.

Family was the cornerstone of his life. He was happiest when spending time with Nan and their two children, Michael and Laura. As children, he made sure the family had dinner together each night, brought back souvenirs from every business trip, and kept the kids giggling endlessly with silly stories. John coached sports teams for both children, and when not coaching himself, he was their constant cheerleader. As Michael and Laura grew up, the family delighted in traveling together. There were many road trips in John’s faithful Suburban (300,000-plus miles) to nearby haunts like Brodie Mountain with extended family, as well as international vacations spent sailing the Caribbean or navigating wild taxi rides in Cairo. John especially treasured the family’s trips to Ireland and would later take pride in his own Irish passport, acquired through his paternal lineage.

Of all the places he traveled with his family, though, he found a second home in Luzern, Switzerland during Nan’s three-year expat assignment, with his penthouse perch overlooking the storybook town, lake, and Alps beyond. It wasn’t long before John was on a first-name basis with his Swiss neighbors. He soon became a familiar figure striding down the steep roads into the Old Town, going out of his way to greet other locals while doing the daily shopping. John relished playing tour guide to the friends and family who visited in person and carefully curated Facebook albums to share the wonders of his travels with so many others.

It was John’s belief that in settings like these he could truly connect with the beauty of God, though no matter where he went John’s faith was central to him. St. Margaret Church in Madison was his spiritual home, where he served on the Parish Council, including as president. He was a proud Eucharistic minister, always sang hymns with verve, and was enthusiastic about supporting service projects and fundraisers for the church.

John loved sports both as spectator and participant. He was an ardent Yankees fan and often paired a game with his personal favorite, a hot dog with relish. He played golf as often as he could and especially enjoyed his annual trips to Ocean City with dear friends. John was an avid runner and completed a total of five marathons, all after age 50. An enthusiastic coach and connector, John also frequented the gym, as much for his own workouts as for sharing training regimens and catching up with friends.

John’s family is beyond grateful for his outstanding doctors, nurses, and caregivers and the special benefits afforded to him by the Veterans Administration. Each was remarkable: personable, compassionate, and John’s heroes until the end.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Closer to Free Fund for Smilow Cancer Hospital at givetoynhh.org or Massachusetts General Hospital with a gift designated to “The Bridge Clinic” at giving.massgeneral.org.

A wake will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 28, at Swan Funeral Home in Madison. His funeral will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, in St. Margaret R.C. Church in Madison, followed by burial in West Cemetery in Madison.