Naples, FL/Hudson, MA – William A. Reynolds of Naples, FL and Hudson, MA passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on December 6th, 2024 at the age of 94.
He leaves behind his son William Reynolds III of Hudson, MA and his daughter Laurel Reynolds of Naples, FL; his six grandchildren (and spouses): Caitlin (Rizzi) Delahanty (James), Kirstin Rizzi and her fiancé Brad, Justin Rizzi (Liz), Alison (Rizzi) Vendetta (Steven), Claire and Will Reynolds; five great-grandchildren; his girlfriend of 19 years, Peggy Matthews, and loving cousins with whom he remained close. He was predeceased by his devoted parents, William A. and Florence (Bull) Reynolds of Hamden, CT.
He was an only child who grew up in southern Connecticut, and attended South Kent Preparatory School for Boys and Cheshire Academy – both in Connecticut. In later years he organized class reunions for his cohort at South Kent, held at the school every 5 years.
South Kent School was, in his view, where he learned the values of hard work, deep friendship, and the importance of community. His lifelong association with South Kent brought him great pleasure, and he generously donated in order to help support its continued growth and modernization.
He went on to attend the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1953 from the School of Business. It was here where he met his future wife and mother of his children, Elaine Reynolds (yes, they had the same last name!) During this time, he completed ROTC Training, and later served as a pilot in the US Air Force. In 1957 they moved to Framingham, MA where they raised their family.
He worked long hours in the rental real estate business, as well as in various other entrepreneurial endeavors, and was popular and respected throughout his life.
In 1971 he moved to a beautiful old home in Hudson, MA which he owned for 53 years and painstakingly renovated. He enjoyed hosting large July 4th parties as his way of demonstrating his deep love and pride for his country. He also loved old cars and was a long time member of the Rolls Royce Owner’s Club.
In the mid-1980s he moved to Naples, Florida while still spending warmer months in Massachusetts. He enjoyed walking the Naples beaches, playing golf, and dining in the bustling downtown area.
He was a leader and a great public speaker who was known for his wit and wisdom and love for a good joke. He would often memorize famous quotes that held meaning to him. One of his favorite hobbies was compiling lists of trivia questions that he would test his family with at gatherings.
Music and singing were dear to his heart, and even though he was modest about it, everyone who had the pleasure of hearing him knew what an excellent voice he had. He was known for his extensive baseball cap collection. Each one had a story behind it.
Family history, and history in general, were of great interest to him. He made a point of staying in touch with relatives and close friends throughout his life, and he read avidly about WWII, a period that fascinated him.
The family will host a Celebration of Life for him at a future date.
Donations in his memory may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or South Kent School.