John “Jack” Reynolds died on Sept. 28. He was born to Albert Reynolds and the late Joyce (Gluth) Reynolds on Sept. 7, 1964, in Evanston, Illinois.

Jack was raised in Nevada, Iowa, Kittery, Maine, and Ledyard. He graduated in 1983 from Ledyard High School, where he was a standout on the basketball team. He went on to play NCAA Division II basketball at the University of New Haven, where he earned an accounting degree in 1987. He completed graduate work at Southern Connecticut State University, where he earned his teaching certificate.

Jack’s passion was public education and the community of Clinton. He was kind and generous to friend and stranger alike, and a relentless supporter of local charities and fundraisers. He spent 24 dedicated years with Clinton Public Schools as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher at Lewin G. Joel, Jr. Elementary School. At 6’ 8” tall, always wearing a smile and his trademark bow tie, he was an unforgettable presence in the life of the school. The personal and academic success of Clinton’s youngest students was the cause of his life. As the saying goes among many Reynolds alumni and parents: “Once a Reynolds kid, always a Reynolds kid.”

Jack is survived by his beloved wife Denyse (Lennerton) Reynolds, who was the light of his life. They played golf, enjoyed cruises, traveled to exotic islands, and disappeared on spontaneous road trips with Van Morrison as their companion. Friends and family envied the love and respect Jack and Denyse shared and enjoyed their light-hearted banter and teasing.

Jack was an avid golfer who loved working in the pro shop at River Ridge Golf Course in Griswold. He looked forward to cigar and bourbon night with the guys and enjoyed riding his bike and cruising in his BMW.

Jack took great pride in his children who brought joy to his life. He is survived by daughter Tatjana Reynolds and husband Robert Pinney of Guilford; daughter Meredith Reynolds of Clinton; nephew Colton Reynolds of Mt. Wolf, Pennsylvania, to whom he was guardian; stepson Brian Schenck and wife Melissa of Deep River; stepson Samuel Schenck and wife Gillian of Old Lyme; stepson Matthew Schenck of West Hartford; and stepdaughter Allyson Schenck of Westbrook.

Jack was blessed with many siblings who adored him. He is survived by sister Sara Reynolds Parker and husband Timothy of West Hartford, brother Larry Reynolds and wife Kaura of Lynden, Washington, sister Connie Dietze of Luzerne, Iowa, brother Tom Reynolds and wife Trina of Gales Ferry, and sister Jenii Robinson and husband Dwight of Miramar, Florida. He is also survived by grandsons Alexander Pinney and Emmett Schenck, whose faces lit up when they saw “Pop-Pop.” He was predeceased by his mother and his sister Kate Reynolds.

Calling hours were held on Oct. 4, at thee Swan Funeral Home, Clinton. A funeral service was held on Oct. 5 at St. Mary’s Church, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jack’s memory may be made to Clinton Education Foundation.