Obituary - Peter J. Reynolds

Peter J. Reynolds, 100, of Discovery Village in Henrico, died Monday, September 16, 2024.

Mr. Reynolds was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis M. Reynolds, and by his daughter, Sally Reynolds Griffin.

Survivors include daughters Margaret R. Langston, of Richmond and Susan R. Polomski (Robert) of Easley, S.C.; his son, Patrick C. Reynolds (Teresa) of Short Pump; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a sister, Kathleen Reynolds.

Mr. Reynolds was born on July 11, 1924, and grew up in Port Reading, New Jersey. He graduated from Rutgers University and became a journalist. He worked as a reporter for Gannett Newspapers, as a writer-editor for Better Homes and Gardens, and in various public relations and editorial capacities in New York City and Washington D.C. He retired from the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1990 as an editor for the annual “Economic Outlook” publication. He served in World War II with Patton’s Third Army, Fourth Armored Division, from Normandy to Germany, and received a purple heart for being wounded in combat.

Prior to his six years as a resident of Discovery Village, he lived at The Evergreens in Fredericksburg, and prior to that spent many happy years of his retirement at his home in Portobago Bay on the Rappahannock River in Caroline County. His years growing up during the Great Depression, his war experiences, and his colorful and varied careers are documented in his self-published Memoir, which to date has been shared and read by at least 150 friends, acquaintances, family members, and more.

In July, Mr. Reynolds celebrated his 100th birthday at Discovery Village, which was attended by family and many residents. It was a happy occasion whose memories will linger as a lasting reminder of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who led a well-lived life, a charmed life, and who charmed most everyone he happened to meet.

Burial will be private.