Dennis (Denny) Reynolds, an Owego firefighter with Croton Hose Company #3, passed away on Dec. 21 at the age of 71 following health-related issues.
A 46-year veteran of the Owego Fire Department (OFD) and Emergency Squad, along with being a member of the Owego Hose Teams, Reynolds also held the position of historian and Tioga County Director for about two decades for the Central New York Fireman’s Association (CNYFA). Reynolds chaired the 2012 CNYFA Annual Convention held in Owego. CNYFA encompasses some 400-plus fire departments among 20 upstate counties.
Reynolds’ contributions to the OFD, and as one of Croton Hose Company #3’s “Flat Rats,” included the past role of treasurer, department historian and Fire Board representative.
CNYFA President Gordon Kotars said of Reynolds, “He did a wonderful job, and no one has quite been able to fill his shoes since he was no longer able to continue the role.”
Kotars described Reynolds as one of the “icons of fire service,” and an individual who carried on the strong tradition of family firefighters with a lifetime of service.
A dedicated public servant to the Owego community for nearly half a century, Reynolds followed in his father Clarence’s footsteps.
Fellow firefighter Patrick Gavin shared, “The void Dennis leaves behind with the loss of his institutional knowledge of the department and the fire service in general is immeasurable,” adding, “The value and dedication he provided to the Owego community is remarkable in this day and age.”
Reynolds, a mainstay in the department, extended his volunteer efforts as a committee member of the Owego Fallen Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament and supported After Prom Parties in Owego and Tioga Center. Reynolds could also be found during annual Monte Carlo fundraiser nights, and where he shared his expert hand as a black jack dealer.
Reynolds further extended his volunteerism as a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 37, and was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and, during his free time, was a devoted New York Yankees fan.
Denny played football and basketball and graduated from Owego Free Academy’s Class of 1965. Following graduation, Reynolds served in the U.S. Army from 1966-68, and later worked for IBM-Endicott and Lockheed Martin in Owego.
Dennis was predeceased by his father, Clarence, and is survived by his mother, Helen, his wife of 43 years, Joan Reynolds, daughter and son-in-law Theresa and Colin Wilson, son Daniel Reynolds, grandson Callum Wilson, brother Thomas Reynolds, and three nieces – Kathy Reynolds and Tim Doane, Jill Reynolds and Linda Reynolds.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Dec. 27. A procession from the Estey, Munroe & Fahey funeral home to St. Patrick’s Church was led by Denny’s company fire truck, Tanker number 803. Tanker 803 also led the detail to the Parish Cemetery for his final call.
Memorial contributions in Dennis Reynolds’ memory can be made to the Owego Fire Department Training Tower Fund, 178 Main St., Owego, N.Y. 13827.
Was a great guy i used to work with him he would do anything for you