Harold J. Reynolds

Harold J. “Harry” Reynolds, a longtime resident of Scarsdale, NY, died peacefully on November 6th. His final days were spent with his wife and family at his bedside. He was 89 years old.

Mr. Reynolds grew up a scrappy young Irish lad on New York’s lower East Side. As a college student at Fordham University, he immersed himself in philosophy, Christian theology, and history. His studies soon led him to forego conventional religious practice for a spiritual life dedicated to meditation, social justice and human rights. These principles would guide his life.

He went on to attend New York University Law School, where he spent some of his happiest years making lifelong friends and serving as Associate Editor of the Law Review. He chose a legal career in public service, starting out as a young law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge John McGohey, Southern District of New York and culminated in his role as Clerk of the Court for the Appellate Division of New York Supreme Court, First Judicial Department.

In 1952, he married the love of his life, Josephine Bridget D’Angelo and was immediately embraced as member of a boisterous Italian household. As their family grew, they moved from New York City to a home in Scarsdale where they lived for over 50 years, watching their five children and nine grandchildren grow up.

Throughout his life, Mr. Reynolds performed numerous acts of kindness and generosity toward individuals and organizations in need. As a citizen of both the United States and Ireland, he expressed strong concern for issues of peace and social justice around the world. He was well known for his sharp wit and boundless love of books, art and music.

During retirement, Mr. Reynolds authored numerous articles and book reviews for the New York Law Journal, New York University Law Review and the New York State Bar Association Journal. In later years, Mr. Reynolds took on the role of fearless contrarian, at times testing the limits, and occasionally the patience, of his family, friends, neighbors and thoughtful editors of the Scarsdale Inquirer. He believed deeply that a vibrant democracy must be rooted in an informed and active citizenry.

Mr. Reynolds is survived by his wife, Josephine; his children and their partners, Kevin (Monica), Catherine (Laurence), Ellen (Brian), Elizabeth and Michael (Eric), his beloved and brilliant grandchildren Max, Erica, Cate, Kristin, Wendy, Julie, Megan, Benjamin, and Thomas.

Buddhist prayers and services were performed in his honor at the Sewalee Monastery in Bhutan. A local memorial service will be announced and held in the approaching weeks. Donations in his memory may be made to the Bhutan Foundation at https://bhutanfound.org/donate (donation cause: Sewalee Monastery) or the Cancer Support Team https://cancersupportteam.org/donate/ (specify support of Ovarian Cancer Support Group).