PROSPECT, Va. — John Francis Reynolds, of Prospect, VA, died on May 10, 2021. He was born in Everett on October 23, 1942 to the late John F. Reynolds and Margaret E. (Leary) Reynolds. John was raised in Melrose, attended elementary schools and graduated from Melrose High School in 1960. His education continued at Tufts University (B.A.) 1964, Tubergin University in Germany through Tufts (MA) 1966 and a Doctoral degree from the University of Virginia. John became a distinguished professor of German, teaching at the University of Virginia, Colby College, and Longwood University until 2012.
John was one of the most important scholars in the world in the field of 18th century German literature. His publication of the collected works of C.F. Gellert (seven volumes) is a monumental achievement and a life’s work to be proud of. These volumes now reside in every major research library (public libraries and university libraries) in the United States and Europe.
John was a very kind and gentle man with a subtle sense of humor and friendly personality. He loved being with his family when he wasn’t traveling the world, lecturing and doing research. He will be deeply missed.
John is survived by his sister Margaret (Peg) Gebhard, sister Emily Reynolds Antonen, and brother Peter J. Reynolds, many loving nieces and nephews, and long time close friends Tom Loyd and John Jamerson. A funeral mass of Christian burial will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, 1155 Main Street, Wakefield on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
