William P Reynolds, 95, of Westwood, Ma.
Canton High, MIT, WWII Navy Pilot, Husband, Father, Civil Engineer, Contractor, Banker, Horseman, Grandfather, Great Grandfather
In the waning hours of April 10, 2020, Bill left this life to join his wife Ella and sons, Ben (d. 1977), Paul (d.1952) and Peter, as well as his brother Charles, sister Mary and so many friends and family who went before.
He is survived by his wife Clare Porter of Galway, Ireland, sister Margie Charles of Cohasset, daughters, Eileen, with husband Michael, Lindburg of South Bend, IN, Rebecca Reynolds, with wife Joanne, of Norwood MA, Margaret (Meg) Reynolds, with husband William, (Skip) McKee of Westwood and son William, (Bill) and wife Ellen Reynolds, of Canton, MA and 11 grand and great grandchildren.
A strong, compassionate businessman with ceaseless energy, Bill spent decades building roads and other infrastructure as owner of Reynolds Bros, Inc. He was a Member and past President of the Construction Industries of Mass promoting the Heavy and Highway Industry. A small contractor with big ideas he was credited by Fred Salvucci with many of the ideas that led to the lowering of the Central Artery and the creation of the Big Dig. His early constructions days with Morrison-Knudsen led him to many projects including the building of ALCAN Aluminum in British Columbia and Lucky Peak Dam in Idaho.
As a general contractor he completed over 600 construction projects for the Mass DPW, MBTA, MassPort Authority and others. His friends were many in the industry, but special blessings to John (Jack) Tracy his sounding board on many a project and idea and to Jack Leonard, college roommate and the best damn contractor in the US.
His many interests included owning and racing horses with his wife Ella, supporting Ursuline Academy in Dedham, promoting MIT Crew, Chairman of the Westwood Democratic Town Committee, President and Founder of Neponset Valley Bank and Trust, building and supporting Holy Love, Ohio.
One of his most cherished times were the Talbott Family reunions where hundreds of the Talbott clan would gather, tell stories, and have a wonderful time with all the nieces and nephews. Known as "Uncle Bill", he was a source of spirit and fun for the younger generation of Talbott's.
A member of the Canton Historical Society, he was always interested in Canton. Whether it was telling stories of his great(?) grandfather, Patrick Reynolds, traveling to California and back around "the Horn" for the Gold Rush, his Aunt Mary regaling the writing of "Charles V Reynolds The Man and His Times" or his High School friends.
He was also known for saving the "Grover House" in Canton.
Always going to Mass and prayer for those who needed it, his faith came from his father Charles V., his mother Eileen, (Kennally) Reynolds, and his Uncle Vin, Bishop Vincent J Kennally, S.J.D.D. Vicar Apostolic of the Caroline and Marshall Islands.
An MIT Graduate in Civil Engineering, he was most proud of his time on the MIT Crew team and as its Captain with his college roommate and lifelong friend, John W. (Jack) Leonard.
Joined the Navy for WWII. Pictured is the Naval Air Station, 767 Fighters, Daytona Beach 1944.
Services are private due to the coronavirus outbreak. A Celebration of Bill's Life Bill's will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers Bill would appreciate that contributions be made to Ursuline Academy in Dedham.