Hornell, NY
Gary O. Reynolds, 80, of North Hornell, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 13th, 2025, at Noyes Hospital. His parents, Ralph and Myra (Sharpe) Reynolds, and his sister, Kaye Root, predeceased him.
Gary was born on December 16, 1944 and grew up in Norwich, New York. He graduated from Norwich High School (class of 1963). After graduating, he attended Morrisville Technical College and received his Associate’s Degree in Food Service Management. Gary also attended the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Food Management at the College of Business.
In December of 1965, shortly after he graduated from Morrisville Technical College, Gary was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed in Fort Dix, NJ for only seven days before being flown to Seattle, WA where he received combat training for 9 months. In September of 1966, Gary was transported aboard the USNS General Nelson M. Walker to Vietnam where he spent six months in active combat in the 4th Infantry Division. He was then stationed in Saigon as a security guard. Gary was honorably discharged in September 1967 and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, given to soldiers who fought in active ground combat for 48 or more consecutive days. While serving his country, Gary’s mother went to church every day he was gone. He credits her faith and constant prayers for bringing him safely home.
Gary was married on October 21, 1967, at the North Presbyterian Church in Elmira, NY to the former Marcia Bryant who survives. After living in Henrietta for approximately three years, they moved to Hornell. Gary was employed at Dietary Consultants, Inc., a healthcare feeding company, from 1971 to 1987. At that time, the company was sold to Sodexo, a French healthcare management/college feeding company. He remained with Sodexo until 1992. In 1993, Gary purchased Coslos, a fine dining restaurant located in Almond, which he owned and operated until 2003.
In 1990, Gary and Marcia purchased a cottage on Loon Lake where the family spent their summers. Gary enjoyed spending time at the lake with his children & grandchildren and enjoyed water skiing. He also loved to snow ski. Gary enjoyed reading and collecting cars. He was a member of the Antique Chevy Car Club of America out of Elmira, NY for many years. However, Gary’s favorite hobby was attending the sporting events of his grandchildren. They kept him busy attending soccer, volleyball, baseball, track, archery, trap shooting, and ski team events!
Gary had been a parishioner at the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell since 1972. Very active in the church, Gary had been a Trustee for many, many years, and was also on the Maintenance & Repair Committee, the Personnel Committee, and was the head of insurance and bidding. Gary was also a member of the Hornell American Legion and was a Rotarian in the Hornell Rotary Club in the 1970s.
In addition to his beloved wife, Marcia, Gary is survived by two daughters, Amy (Victor) Perez of Geneseo, NY and Kelly Smilinich (Will Nunn) of Arkport, NY; one son, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Reynolds of Arkport, NY; grandchildren, Megan (Joey) Semmel, Victoria Perez, Katharine “Katie” Perez, Andrew John “AJ” (Ilana) Smilinich, Braedan Smilinich, Hannah Reynolds, Ethan Reynolds, and Bryant Reynolds, Cait Nunn, Trevor (Liz) Nunn and Nate Nunn; great-grandchildren, Andrew Nunn and Magnolia Semmel; a twin brother, Terry (Janet) Reynolds of Syracuse, NY; brothers-in-law, Gary Root of Homer, NY and Dale Bryant of Elmira, NY; many nieces, nephews, & cousins.
The family of Gary O. Reynolds will receive friends on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY. On Monday, February 17th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., Reverend David Kilgore and Pastor Ted Warner will preside over a funeral service at the United Presbyterian Church. Burial with full military honors will be at Bath National Cemetery at a later date decided by the family.
To view Gary’s funeral service online, please follow this link:
Presby Hornell is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Honoring the life of Gary O. Reynolds
Time: Feb 17, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92020123812?pwd=qwS0eSFFyaso35AlRl17ZvDa7r7AQ8.1
Meeting ID: 920 2012 3812
Passcode: 117852
The Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, is handling the funeral arrangements. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Gary’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the funeral home.
In recognition of Gary’s service to his country, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
To the Reynolds family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, on the passing of Mr. Gary Reynolds. We were “brothers” through Hornell, the Presbyterian church, but more importantly through defense of our nation. His loss will be felt for quite some time. Our family is praying for your strength.
Gary, as a Vietnam vet, I can’t thank you enough for your sacrifice and service. Every time I saw you in church or in Hornell after I went into the Army, you would always have a smile on your face, shake my hand and say, “Keep the faith.” As a Christian, I am well aware, but this was more true during SERE school. That small statement, has kept me going through hard times. I will miss you. At ease and take a knee. Thank you for everything, we will miss you.
Andrew Utz
Marica and family, we are deeply saddened with the passing of Gary. Our prayers are for Gary and the family.
My sincere sympathy for your loss.
Gary and I were classmates at Morrisville. We had a lot of fun, the 4 musketeers, Gary, Arnie, Warren and myself. While we did a lot of good things together I remember our days working in the dining room, kitchen and those great times catering and winter weekends. Most of all I remember the times when we had an hour or so and went straight to the student union to shoot pool. Gary you will be missed, I just wish I could have spent more time in New York to visit. My condolences to Marcia and al the family.
Bob Heisler
Mrs Reynolds,my heartfelt condolences to you & your wonderful family on the loss of your wonderful smart husband.I remember our coming to eat at the restaurant when I worked at Alfred. Then having the pleasure to be invited to your home on the lake. You both made all of us feel so at home.Mr Reynolds you will be missed. I will be praying for the family’s comfort & strength.
Marseena Harmonson
Reynolds family – I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Gary from church, always with a smile on his face. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
Marcia and Family,
You all have wonderful memories to
cherish.You all took such good care of your neighbors, and Norma could not have stayed at the lake for so long without you. Heartfelt thanks and sympathy. Gary was a good selfless person who put others first.
Ed and Kate Holley
Condolences to Marcia and the entire Reynolds Family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
I have known Gary since college and considered him a wonderful friend and person. Gary could make the right decision although it may not have been popular at the time. He greeted everyone with a smile and made them feel welcomed. I will always remember his unique sense of humor.
I have many wonderful memories of Gary. I will always treasure our personal discussions regarding the difficult decisions in life, he was a big help to me.
Kathy and I always looked forward to spending time with Gary and Marcia since our college days.
I feel blessed to have had the privilege of saying goodbye to Gary shortly before his passing.
Kathy and I will certainly miss him.
Marcia, my deepest sympathy for you and your family during this difficult time. I will always remember Gary for his smile, friendship, and his unwavering support of EDD Adaptive Sports and its members.
May he rest in peace.
Dave Owens