SOLON – John “Jack” William Reynolds (b. 1939) passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Born to George E. and Anna Mae (Henninger) Reynolds, Jack grew up in Wethersfield, Conn., alongside his siblings Elaine (Reynolds) McGuiness and George Reynolds. He graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in English, a passion that would shape his life and career.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Jack went on to spend the majority of his career teaching at The Gilbert School in Winsted, Conn., where he taught high school English and coached swimming and tennis. Yearly, since 1994, the school presents the “John W. Reynolds Book Award” commemorating his “Dedication to Enthusiasm and Excellence” as a teacher.

Jack’s wife, Maryann (Paonessa) Reynolds, who predeceased him in 2020, taught Art at Gilbert, and together they became beloved and life-long mentors to generations of students. As teachers, the couple organized countless cultural outings – rock concerts, art fairs and museums, schooner voyages, and trips to New York City, N.Y. – broadening their students’ horizons well beyond the classroom. Jack’s senior elective class, “The Poetry of Rock”, became a legendary favorite and reflected his deep love for music and literature.

After retiring, Jack and Maryann returned to Maine, where he continued to teach and helped open a restaurant with Maryann. Their later years were centered around family, especially their four cherished grandchildren, William, Maxwell, Dominic, and Una.

Jack is survived by his son, Alexander and wife Kristie, his daughter, Maria; grandchildren; sister, Elaine and brother-in-law, Jack and family; brother, George and sister-in-law, Dona and family; and sister-in-law, Rose Paonessa.

He will be remembered for the wit, warmth, and inspiration he offered and the lasting impression he made on people both in and out of the classroom.