John F. Reynolds

John Francis Reynolds died peacefully in his sleep at St. Joseph's Living Center on November 24th, 2014 in Windham, Connecticut, at the age of 79. John is survived by his children, Scott Reynolds of Pembroke Pines, Florida, Jo Ann Reynolds of Willimantic, Connecticut, Heather Reynolds and her husband, David Rollo of Bloomington, Indiana, Heidi Hand and her husband, Jon C. Hand of Storrs, Connecticut, and two grandchildren, Maxfield and Helena Hand. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, and his dear friend Terry Guertin, of Putnam, Connecticut. He is preceded in death by his cherished wife, Anastasia B. Reynolds, his brother, Charles Russell Reynolds, and his sister, Frances Reynolds Sherwood. John was born on May 30th, 1935 in Willimantic, Connecticut to Charles and Teotis (Bombria) Reynolds. He was a graduate of Windham High School. He married Anastasia Bukowski in 1955. John and Ann raised their four children in Chaplin, Connecticut, residing in their house on Nollet Road for over 50 years. John was accomplished at a variety of skills and trades. He was employed by Pratt & Whitney and then worked in the construction trade before purchasing the Warrenville General Store in Ashford, Connecticut. A well-known and popular community member, John reveled in banter with his many loyal customers and friends. Whether plowing out a snowy drive or applying his meat carving skills, he was always happy to lend a hand. John was a member of the Ashford Lion's Club and relished his performance as colorful characters in several of their dramatic productions. He and Ann enjoyed antiquing for many years. John was later employed by The University of Connecticut's Commissary and Chemistry Departments, where he became a storekeeper and building maintainer, utilizing his carpentry and construction skills to improve many aspects of the Chemistry Building. John love of reading gave him an encyclopedic knowledge of many subjects, particularly American history. John was also a very active person who loved the outdoors, hunted, and was passionate about fishing and wildlife. He conveyed his love of nature through a column written for Chaplin's Newsletter and promoted land stewardship through service on the Chaplin Planning and Zoning Commission. A true conservationist, he deeded his treasured thirty acres of woodland to the Forest Legacy program and was an active member in Joshua's Trust and Trout Unlimited. A talented woodworker, his specialty was carving wild fowl and songbirds, and he also fashioned many beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends. Later in life, he channeled his creative energies into drawing, painting, and photographing wildlife. He kept his many birdfeeders full and delighted in counting and identifying his avian visitors. John also kept very busy at St. Joseph's Living Center by volunteering and making many new friends and acquaintances, especially his roommate and friend, John Paul Musial. John loved all animals, particularly his faithful dogs. He bred and raised Collies for many years, and adopted several Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from Cavaliers of the Northeast, a rescue organization. He gave each a loving home, enjoyed training them, and delighted in their unique personalities. While living in Chaplin, John kept many types of livestock, raising cattle, chickens, ducks, pheasants, and his children's sheep and ponies. He raised vegetables in his gardens, made maple syrup, cut his own firewood, and enjoyed being as self-sufficient as possible. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on December 27th, 2014 at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 64 Pompey Hollow Rd (Rt. 44), Ashford, CT 06278. The family invites everyone to a reception immediately following the service. Potter Funeral Home ( http://potterfuneralhome.com ) is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Joshua's Trust, PO Box 4, Mansfield Center, CT 06250, or St. Joseph's Living Center, 14 Club Road, Windham, CT 06280. Heartfelt thanks go out to all the staff of St. Joseph's Living Center for their skillful and loving care during John's last years.