Search by Name

John Reynolds Obituary

Reynolds, John J.
was born on June 25, 1924 in Redwood City, California to John and Margaret (O'Malley) Reynolds. He passed away on March 4, 2013 at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. John was proud to have attended the University of California at Berkeley where he earned BA, MA and PhD degrees in Spanish. He taught at the University of Arizona in Tucson during the 1950's. He then moved to New York City where he was a distinguished professor at St. John's University for thirty years, teaching courses in Spanish Literature and Language until his retirement in 1991. He was the author of numerous scholarly articles and of several books including "Juan Timoneda" for the Twayne World Authors Series, "Spanish Golden Age Drama" and "Repase y Escriba", a widely used advanced grammar and composition textbook. Upon retirement John moved back to Arizona, living in Tempe and Scottsdale. John was generous, thoughtful, intelligent, and witty. He was incredibly well-read, and because his knowledge was so wide-ranging he was an excellent conversationalist. He was interested in art, history, politics and theology. He also had a special interest in genealogy and was proud of his Irish heritage. When living in New York he enjoyed the theater and was a patron of the Metropolitan Opera. He was a generous supporter of many charitable causes. He will be missed by all who knew him well, especially his family. He was predeceased by his sister Gerry Howe of Santa Cruz, CA; he is survived by his nephews James Howe (and wife Bev) of Paso Robles, CA; Paul (and Sheri) Howe of Santa Cruz; Jack (and Trudi) Howe of Santa Cruz; and Michael Howe of Aptos, CA; and his niece Margaret Howe of Santa Cruz. He is also survived by many grand and great-grand nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank the caregivers from Harmony Hospice of Scottsdale and the staff at Villa Ocotillo in Scottsdale for the care they provided to John in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Harmony Hospice; 4300 N. Miller Road Suite 110; Scottsdale, AZ 85251. A private burial will be held in Santa Cruz. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for John and share any condolences with his family.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Mar. 9 to Mar. 11, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Reynolds

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Thank you for sharing your lovely stories and memories of your Uncle Jack. My sympathy extends to you and your family. Sincerely, Lois

Lois Meyer

March 12, 2013

Michael Howe, March 9, 2013
When you're a young child, visitors are always a fun and special thing. Maybe, maybe, that helps explain why my Uncle Jack has always been my favorite relative -- he came to town for the summer ever since I was a child, and I really looked forward to those visits. But really it was his wit, his sense of humor, his playful teasing, that made my uncle so special, and what made him so cherished by his family. He and his only sibling, my mother Geraldine, were both big teasers. The teasing went both ways, all ways really. When my uncle passed, he literally had just a very few gray hairs, and his hair (his entire life,) was a kind of 40's brylcreem slicked back, way-out-of-style in the 70s kind of a deal, and my Dad, his brother-in-law, would tease him endlessly about his Grecian Formula hair, which it turns out was just his good old natural dark Irish hair. BTW, he would also get teased about his pencil-thin moustache! In our time, my uncle and I were great doubles partners in tennis -- when I was about 18-20 and Uncle Jack was in his mid-fifties, he and I would take on two of my high school buddies, and he was a net monster! His range wasn't much more than a step in each direction, but if he could get to it -- and his anticipation was very good, and he had good instincts, too -- it would come back with more than a little mustard on it. I will sorely miss my annual visit to see my beloved Uncle Jack. I love you Uncle Jack, and will miss you very much. Michael

Michael Howe

March 9, 2013

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. Soon Jesus will abolish death forever (1 Cor. 15:26). Until then, may the God of comfort be with you in your time of need. Although you don't know me I was moved to share a comforting scripture.

March 9, 2013

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in John Reynolds's name

Memorial Events
for John Reynolds

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Reynolds's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more