Obituary of Francis John Reynolds

Francis J. (Frank) Reynolds passed away on April 4, 2025.  He was a long-time resident of Oakland, NJ (since 1969).  He moved to the Bristal Assisted Living in Waldwick, NJ in 2024.

Frank was born in New York City on Dec 30, 1940, to Eugene J. Reynolds (originally of Killasonna, County Longford, Ireland) and Agnes T Reynolds (nee McHugh) of New York City.  He grew up in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan (NY), and attended St Paul’s Church and parochial school, beginning his long association with the Paulist Fathers.  He attended Power Memorial High School.  He graduated from Fordham University in 1965 with a degree in accounting.

Frank married Charlotte A. Donovan on Feb 11, 1961.  They were married until her death in 2019 (just over 58 years).  She was the love of his life, and he was hers.  That was evident to all who knew them.  Frank and Charlotte were long-time members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Oakland, NJ.

Frank had a long and successful career, starting with the Paulist Fathers Press after high school and while attending college at night.  He took on roles of increasing responsibility over the years, with Alesco Books in Paramus, then DEMCO (also Paramus), and UniPub (New York City).  He moved to Blue Cross / Blue Shield of New Jersey as Director of Corporate Services and remained there until his retirement (20 years).

His five children and their spouses survive Frank: Gene and Eileen of Summit, NJ; Patty and Michael Moody of Bridgewater, NJ; Stephen and Kim of Pequannock, NJ; Mike and Michelle of Waldwick, NJ; and Joe and Allison of Wayne, NJ.  He was affectionately known to his twelve grandchildren as Pop-Pop: Patrick, Bridget, Sarah, Allie, Michael, Ryan, Tiergan, Delaney, Jillian, Emerson, Olivia, and Isabelle.  They loved him very much, and he will be missed.  He is survived by his brother Jack of New Mexico, sister Theresa Shapiro of Maryland, sister-in-law Pat Reynolds of New York, and many nieces and nephews.  His parents and other siblings (Harry, Gene, Mary, and Tom) predeceased him.

The viewing will be at the Oakland Memorial Home on Friday, Apr 11, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm.  A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Oakland, NJ on Saturday, Apr 12, 2025 at 10 am, followed by internment at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.