Robert J. Reynolds

Robert J. Reynolds, 83, of Newport left to join his daughter Brenda in heaven on Thursday, February 26, 2026. His passing occurred at Little Falls Hospital with his beloved wife Jean and her sister at his side.

Bob was born in Ilion on February 2, 1943, the second son of George and Sophia (Klys) Reynolds. As an eight year old, he delivered newspapers with his older brother, this was the start of an ambitious life. He was a Cub Scout that became an Eagle Scout. He and his three brothers were featured in Boys Life magazine for all obtaining the Eagle Scout rank.

Bob graduated from Ilion High School in 1960 and furthered his education at MVTI and the University of Maryland. He joined the United States Air Force and served his country as a silent warrior analyst during the Bay of Pigs, Berlin Crisis, as well as the Vietnam era. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Sgt. Reynolds purchased Prine Rug Cleaners from his father and eventually expanded to include fire restoration. In 1962 Bob married his high school sweetheart Jean Allen, they celebrated 63 happy years together and would've been 64 on March 20. Bob and Jean welcomed their only child Brenda in 1964, born in Germany. Unfortunately, Brenda died from cancer in 1999. Brenda's death forever changed life for Bob as he had known it, she remained in his heart and was never far from his thoughts.

Always civic minded, Bob served his community as Newport's Chamber of Commerce president, town constable, Trail Riders of Newport president, Newport town councilman and supervisor, and served on many town committees and boards. He also taught young snowmobilers as a certified instructor. After purchasing their Newport farm in 1971, he raised beefalo cattle in his spare time. He remained there until present time. In the Air Force he played on the All-Star baseball team and went to Utah for the final via TDY. In Newport he was a catcher on Jack Humpf's softball team and played in the Herkimer Basketball League. Bob was an avid golfer, New York Yankees and Giants Fan, and a Civil War buff. Bob and Jean enjoyed many vacations visiting all the Civil War sites and many other interesting places. After retirement they spent winters on the South Carolina coast until illness prevented his continuation. In 2010 he was the M.C. at his 50th high school reunion. Bob was a Little Falls rural mail carrier in later years from where he retired.

Bob leaves to mourn his death his beloved wife Jean, special son-in-law, Scott Hughes (Cheri); his three brothers, Ronald, Roger and Richard; in-laws, Pam Loomis (Ron) and Joan Zoller; nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, including his lifelong bestie Thad and his furry kitty friend Pixie.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Little Falls Hospital staff for their kindness to Bob over the years.

In accordance with Bob's wishes there will be no public services. He will be laid to rest in the spring next to Brenda at Highland Rural Cemetery in Jordanville where Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Arrangements are entrusted to the Autenrith Funeral Home, Newport.