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Reynolds Girdler Obituary
Reynolds "Tad" Girdler, 82, husband of Jean (nee Abernathy), passed away peacefully at his lifelong home in Old Greenwich, CT, Saturday April 28, 2018, of natural causes. He was surrounded by family.
Tad was born on August 15, 1935, in New York City, to Barbara Kitchel Girdler and Reynolds Girdler, Sr. He graduated from Philips Andover Academy in 1953, and Yale University in 1957. He swam competitively for both institutions.
Tad's career was dedicated to Binney and Smith, Inc. the company transformed from a carbon black company to the makers of Crayola Crayons by his great-grandfather, Edwin Binney. Mr. Binney also transformed a marshy area of Old Greenwich into Binney Park. Tad retired as Vice President for Corporate Relations in 1982, and was a member of the board of directors until 1982. He was also dedicated to his community; Tad was a member of the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting for many years.
Although he lost a leg to cancer at the age of 42, he enjoyed hiking, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. He volunteered at the Norwalk Maritime Center and Aquarium; his post was the shark tank, where he enjoyed telling children who asked about his leg "a shark got it!"
Above all, Tad was dedicated to his family. He is survived by his wife, Jean, his children Amy Girdler Love, M.D. and husband Carl of Mount Laurel, NJ, Faith Girdler of Jamaica Plain, MA, and Reynolds Edward Girdler and partner Hilary Adorno of Litchfield, CT; his grandchildren Hayley Reynolds Moore and husband Daniel Lazewatsky of Brooklyn, NY, and Heather Emily Moore of Amsterdam, Netherlands; his great-granddaughter Thea Reyn Moore Lazewatsky; and his brothers Allan Girdler of Rainbow, CA and Lewis Girdler of Boston MA. He is also survived by eight cousins and eight nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother John Glover Girdler. His grandmother was the prominent Greenwich philanthropist Helen Binney Kitchel.
Memorial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Reynolds Girdler
4 Entries
Anthony G. Baxter
May 31, 2023
Jean Blessings to you and family .
August 11, 2018
Jeannie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and send love to all. You have always been most kind and a great pillar of strength, family and history.
My condolences to all and I do hope to
See you again soon.
Cindy Putnam
Jerry Mackey
May 22, 2018
Mrs. Girdler, Amy and family
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
Mr. Girdler was a good man, he and his Corvette brightened many days for the boys at the station. May your memories of him give you peace and comfort.
Tod's Point at Sunset, Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
Shivaun
May 19, 2018
I was utterly in awe of your father growing up. I loved the warmth of your home, your Dad and Mum...your whole family. I loved being in the smiling company of Mr. Girdler. He was a hero to me; I was diagnosed with cancer at age 15 at Greenwich Hospital and seeing your Dad thriving after his own experience was a real inspiration to me as a young person. I love that he had such a long life and went on to dance, hike and...enjoy his family ever more. But, most of all, I loved the unique history of your family. A legacy of giving and kindness and love. And, all of it, overlooking the great Long Island Sound. So many seasons, so many birthday cakes, sailboats and LIFE. Here's to you, Mr. Girdler, thank you for being AWESOME and having such great children. They carry your spirit within them. And thank you for introducing me to Mrs. Helen Binney Kitchel. Mrs. Kitchel, Thank you for one of the most beautiful parks in our country. You are a blessed family and I treasure you. Amy and Faith...much, much love to you and your sweet Mama all the way from California xoxo. Shivaun
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