Harold Redic

Harold Redic was born to Gustorvia and Ulis Redic on August 12, 1939 in Bluff City, Arkansas. The Redic family moved to Richmond, California in 1944. Harold was raised with his older, half brother, Joal, Uncle Jewel, and two younger brothers, Luther and Ulis Jerold.

Harold attended Steige Elementary School. Portal Junior High School, and El Cerrito High School. He continued his education at Contra Costa Junior College, San Francisco State, Cal Berkeley, and Cal State Hayward. He received many degrees and certifications including two Master’s Degrees. As he attended college he worked as a relief postal carrier for the United States Postal Service in Richmond, California.

Harold joined the Army in 1964 and proudly served in the Intelligence and Sharpshooter departments during the Vietnam War. He served for four years and was honorably discharged in 1968.

Harold honorably served as a Jailor on the Richmond police force and quickly moved up in rank and became one of the first of nine Black Police Officers on the Richmond Police Force. This monumental and courageous achievement paved the way for future generations. He was also the 3rd Black Police Sergeant on the Richmond Police Force. With each advancement, he ensured others would benefit from his advocacy.

Harold spent a few years in St Louis Missouri and worked at the Ford Foundation. When he returned to California he became the Regional Director HUD in SF. He was in charge of the United States Housing and Urban Development for California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon. During his tenure as a Director, he fondly remembered helping the tenants in the projects and housing developments where he once grew up. Working for HUD at the United States Federal Building in San Francisco, CA, was his Monday through Friday job. On the weekends and from 6pm-10pm occasionally through the week, he was a Juvenile Probation Officer at the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall.

Harold loved all of his “kids” and worked diligently with them and for them to get them going in a healthy direction for their lives. Many lovingly know him as Dad, Mr. Redic, and Harold.  He helped thousands of kids and families during his tenure at Home Supervision, Work Detail, and Juvenile Hall.

After retiring, he stayed busy taking care of his “kids” and family,  traveling, dancing, exercising, tending to his garden, walking the dogs, and volunteering at various schools where he was fondly referred to as “Grampy” or “Mr. Harold”. He was a lifelong learner and valued the opportunities that were afforded through books and continued education.

Harold was always a hard working man and encouraged others to work hard, do their best, and to “reach back and bring someone up with you when you got ahead”. He took great pride in his work and his service to the people of his community. He was the “first one to work and the last one to leave”. He was always working, taking care of others, and staying busy. He did not believe in staying still for “too long”. He greatly enjoyed life, living, traveling, gardening, music, cars, sports, telling stories, loving his family, and helping people. Although he suffered from dementia for the last five years and could not make new memories, he did not lose his memories of his travels as well as all those who he met,supported, helped, and influenced.

He was a pillar of strength for all who knew him- honestly, EVERYONE knew Harold Redic. He loved people. He led by example and recognized and talked to everyone.  He treated everyone with honor and valued their life and potential. He did not raise his voice, and gave sound advice - whether you wanted to hear it or not. It was not uncommon for his coworkers, family, and friends to come to him for guidance and advice. He gave strong motivation and constructive criticism that was life changing. We will always remember him starting his sentences with, “ Well, no. Wait a minute now…”. We know that “HR does not just stand for Harold Redic”.  His legacy is strong and long lasting.

On Friday, December 17th at 7:33 am, Harold took his last trip to the “other side”, home to be with the Lord, his Father, Mother, Brothers, family members, and numerous friends who we know welcomed him with open arms.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations ℅ Harold Redic to  Ygnacio Valley Christian School where he spent many hours with the children and maintaining the yard for all to enjoy. Donations can be made to First Lutheran Church ( 4000 Concord Blvd, Concord CA) , Lindsay Wildlife Museum ( 1931 First Ave Walnut Creek CA 94597)  , or Arf ( 2890 Mitchell Dr. Walnut Creek, CA)

A private service will be held now. A Memorial of Life celebration will take place to honor Harold in August of 2022.

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