Edward J Reynolds

Dr. Edward J. Reynolds, longtime resident and civic leader of Pearl River, New York died on Friday, June 2, 2023 at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan.  He was 90.

Dr. Reynolds practiced general dentistry for 50 years in the U.S. Air Force, at the International Longshoremen’s Association Clinic in Manhattan, and in his own Pearl River practice before retiring in 2008.  He was a Rotarian for over 50 years and served as President of the Rotary Club of Pearl River and in other leadership roles.  He also served as a Trustee of Rockland Community College and of Rockland Cemetery.

Dr. Reynolds was born August 27, 1932 in New York, New York to Harry Bittan and Margaret (Agnes) Costello Reynolds.  He attended Guardian Angel School and graduated from Xavier High School in Manhattan in 1950.  After attending the Jesuit Seminary at Saint Andrew’s on the Hudson for one year, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (AB) degree in Pre-Dental from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York in 1955.  He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Columbia University in 1959.

Dr. Reynolds served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1962 as a dentist assigned to the Strategic Air Command at Turner Air Force Base in Albany, Georgia, attaining the rank of Captain.

On June 14, 1958, he married Anne Marie Ryan at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church in the Bronx, New York.  They raised eight children together and were married until her passing in March 2004.  On June 26, 2016, he married Josephine Masulli in Orangeburg, New York.

He had lived in Pearl River since August 1962.  He was a longtime parishioner of Saint Aedan’s Church in Pearl River, where he had served as a lector and Lay Eucharistic Minister.  In addition to his service as a Rotarian, he also served as a manager/coach/umpire for Pearl River Little League.

Dr. Reynolds will long be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and good humor.  He provided countless hours of pro bono dental work to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns and members of the local Catholic religious community.  He loved following New York professional sports and was a longtime dedicated Mets, Giants and Rangers fan.  For many years, he was an avid golfer who was most proud of his hole-in-one at Blue Hill Golf Club.  He also loved reading, particularly about military history.

He is survived by his wife Josephine of Pearl River, his children, Joseph (Betsy) Reynolds of Lexington, Massachusetts; Marianne (Robert) Yacynych of Ellicott City, Maryland; Susan (Arthur) Bentley of Pleasantville, NY; Frances (Arthur) Brunwasser of Fort Montgomery, New York; Stephen Reynolds of Wilmington, Delaware; Jean (Dermot) Doyle of Westwood, New Jersey; Lynn Reynolds of Kettering, Ohio; and Andrew Reynolds (Tom Gladwell) of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and 19 grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home in Pearl River, New York.

The funeral Mass is Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 10 am at Saint Aedan’s Church in Pearl River.  Interment will follow at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkill, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, Carmelite Monastery, 89 Hiddenbrooke Drive, Beacon, New York, 12508-2230.

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