Paul Franklin Reynolds
A man of few words, Paul was known for his witty sense of humor. When he had something to say everyone listened. He could strike up conversations with anyone he met. A strong, kind and fun-loving person, Paul loved all creatures great and small believing they all deserve to live on our planet (even mosquitoes). His love of the natural world showed in his gardening prowess, knowledge of astronomy, botany, birdwatching, and the many hiking, camping and fishing trips he took with family and friends throughout the country.
A devoted family man, Paul, along with his wife Marianne, lovingly raised three children in LaGrange Park. He loved his wife more than anything and said she was his best friend, his rock, and reason for living. He helped his kids learn music and encouraged their artistic sides from their childhoods and into adulthood. He would often be found plucking away at his guitar, especially in the morning. His love of music extended to artists such as The Beatles, Grateful Dead, and The Allman Brothers Band. He also enjoyed watching classic movies and documentaries about nature and the world.
Paul had many talents. He was a natural athlete, playing ice hockey and boxing with brothers and friends through his teen years. At Hubbard High he played on the basketball team and held the school track record for the 440-yard dash/quarter-mile for several years; a point of family pride. An avid golfer, he swung his sticks at least every Saturday with good friends and family members. As a fisherman he was one of the best and had the touch. As Paul said, “you just have to know how to do it”. He passed along his knowledge and love of fishing and nature to his children, nephews, nieces and others.
Paul was frugal and a careful steward. As a do-it-yourselfer, he repaired and made all manner of household and garden items. As an environmentalist, he recycled, reused, composted and wasted few resources. A true foodie, Paul was a creative cook. He enjoyed cuisines of all types and was up for trying new dishes and exotic foods.
He grew up in Chicago and spent his early years in the Pilsen neighborhood through grade 5 at St. Pius V parish. When the family moved to 65th and Pulaski, he attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine School and Hubbard High School.
A reliable and hard worker, he held down a newspaper route in his younger years. After high school Paul became a “roadie” performing and working with Off Broadway, Vandenberg, and Beatlemania, and later touring with Roberta Flack. At age 28, he returned to Chicago after nine years on the road and began working in the family transportation business, B&J Trucking. He was a dispatcher and semi-tractor-trailer driver. Paul was a Vice President and shareholder in the company he founded with his brothers—Reynolds Brothers Trucking—now Quality Cartage in Chicago Ridge.
Paul died peacefully at his LaGrange Park homae on October 24 at the age of 64 of metastatic colon cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Marianne (nee Kemper); his children Matthew, Sam and Oliver; his thirteen siblings Sue, Amy, Del, Joanne, Jerry, Ginny, John, Dave, Jim, Anthony, Larry, Ed and Brian; his six brothers- and sisters-in-law Mike, Beth, Barb, John, Tom and Janet; and 44 nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He is the son of Delbert and the late Jean Jacqueline (nee Roxas) Reynolds. Paul leaves behind many close friends from childhood and throughout his life.
A virtual celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to American Cancer Society or Chicago Botanic Garden are appreciated.
My dear sweet, strong and witty brother will be sorely missed by me and all that knew and loved him. He was someone worth talking with and he always listened. While he didn’t say much what he did say was meaningful, insightful or funny. His great sense of humor and “zingers” were memorable. Whenever I’d call him or visit, he’d ask, “so what are you doing today?” When Paul was with you he focused on you.
He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. I learned so much more about him in the last 16 months and will treasure those memories. It was a blessing to spend time with Paul and Mar and their children during that time.
Love, Amy
(Paul’s big sis #2)
Amy, you were/are an incredible help to our family this summer & in Paul’s final days, especially. I don’t know what I would have done without your help. Paul loved you and knew you were here helping care for him. There aren’t enough words to express our gratitude. Love you.
💚
I had the distinct privilege to work with Paul in the late 70’s/early 80’s with my band Off Broadway. Besides being a hard, tireless worker in a thankless job, he never faltered or slacked. His sense of quiet hilarious humor was always a source of wonder. He took care of “my” side of the stage. and we shared a few good wordless laughs at the antics on stage, if I (or he) noticed something strange going on, we’d exchange a look, and usually got what that was about. Not an easy thing to do. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Thank you, John. He kept his well-worn Off Broadway shirt all these years.
Thank you, John. Paul kept his well-worn Off Broadway shirt all these years. I know he had fond memories of his Roadie days.
Paul was always a good brother to me. We worked together for many years and he never raised his voice or had mean words. We golfed many times as long ago at Marquette Park days where I first learned. I will always have great memories from him. Love Brian ( youngest brother)
Dear Brian – I loved what you said about Paul never voicing mean words. He was a lot like Mom in that attribute. Love, Big Sis#2
Thank you, Brian. I’m so glad you were able to come out & get that electrical work done that Paul was so eager to get done. Congratulations on your marriage.
With My Sincere Sympathy and Condolences ~To Marianne, Matthew, Sam, Oliver and Family,
Beloved Cousin Paul, You Earned Your Place In Heaven. Paul Was An Inspiration to Everyone He Endured. Not Only A True Humanitarian Spirit… A Golfer Too. That Is Correct A “Natural World”! Forever In My Memory. Who Else Would Pause On Hole 8 to Pick Wild Berries?! The Beautiful Early Sunrise of 6AM Tee Time, With The Freshest Fruit (In Hand) Of The Season To Start The Day. I Was The Lucky One. I Will Miss You Terribly Cousin Paul! ~Thank you, Paul For Our Friendship and The Love Of the Game We Shared.
May Your Soul Forever Rest On The Most Beautiful Greens Ever Created! Heaven’s Land.
Dear Cindy – Paul treasured his golf outings with you. I love your memory of him picking wild berries on the golf course. We will swing the sticks next season in his honor. Love you cuz. XO
Thank you, Cindy. Paul looked forward to his golf outings with you. Thank you for bringing him one of his favorite summertime foods – CHERRIES! – while he was in the hospital last year. Love to you.
Paul taught me so much. He NEVER had a bad thing to say about anyone. Among many other things, he introduced me to Chinese food, mangoes and papayas, taught me to be a roadie, piloted our canoe in the Canadian wilderness and we played guitars with me at a coffeehouse when we were 21. And oh yeah, we shared a job scraping wallpaper every day for 3 months! Paul knew how to work. Last Spring, via text messages, he helped me successfully transplant an orchid that was special to my wife, Shirley. Thanks for everything, Paul!
Thank you for these memories, John. Paul treasured his HS friends.
Paul was a beautiful soul. The few times I got to spend a little time with him in the last several years left me wanting more. I’m so grateful for the texting group we four sisters had with him during this past year. He nicknamed me Sueska a few months ago–a gift I cherish. I’m going to miss him!
Dear Big Sis #1 – What a lovely tribute. He loved you and treasured the times you had together whether in person or virtually. XO
Thank you, Sueska! Paul loved being a part of the sister’s text thread during his illness. It really lifted his spirits. Love you.
I was so Happy when Paul went on fb
We haven’t seen or connected in years, but it was like no time had passed. Always the first to give me a Heart. I will Embrace his last comment on a post in my sorrow & grief….”Love you my sister “
My sisters & I will miss him on our thread
Paul was Super loving, kind, gentle, compassionate, empathetic & positive in his ways. Showed me unconditional love in his actions & words.
I miss him terribly
All My Love to Mar, Matt, Sam & Oli
Always & Forever in My Heart My Best Brother
Your littlest sister, ginny
💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚❤️💚
Dear Littlest sister – Your tribute to Paul is heartfelt and loving. Empathy and unconditional love are so important especially in these times. XOXO
Love You Sis❤️
Thank you, Ginny. Paul loved joining in the sister’s text conversations. He loved the care package of crystals/rocks and other goodies from the Southwest you sent last Christmas. Love you.
💚❤️
Paul God bless you and your family. Rest in peace.
Thank you, Betty Jo.
Marianne, Matthew, Sam, and Oliver-So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers. Jane Bandyk and family
Thank you for your prayers, Jane.
Paul was one of my oldest friends. We hung out in the neighborhood, played basketball in the alley, hockey at Marquette Park and touch football in the street. He introduced me to most of the friends I still have today, including my wife of 38 years! I will miss you. my brother from another mother.
Love, Tony
Thank you, Tony. Paul loved his Hubbard friends.
Marianne, Our paths crossed many years ago at your 64th Street house. Yet, the Kemper family holds some of my fondest memories from my young adult life. I am sorry I did not have the opportunity to have known Paul . He sounds like a one of a kind amazing and kind soul. My heart is filled with much sorrow for you and your family at this very sad time. I pray you find comfort in the arms of your loved ones. Sincerely, Jacqueline Klima
Jackie, Thank you. We appreciate your kind words.
Marianne – so sorry for your loss . I Knew Paul for many years , VIA , RBTC & Quality days . He will be missed .
Thank you, Mike & Jennifer.
Oh Marianne, Matt, Sam and Oli extended family and friends:
Where does one begin to express our sadness and loss of Brother Paul. He will be surely missed each and every single day.
May he rest without pain anymore and meet his loving mother’s arms. There is so much to say about Paul a great family man, great business partner, avid fisherman, and trusted friend as well as a very close brother. Will be forever missed and loved by us all❤️❤️
Love you and your family always.
KAREN and JERRY XOXOXOX
Thank you Karen & Jerry.
Your support throughout Paul’s illness is immeasurable.
Words cannot express how grateful we are for your love & support.
We love you both.
When I first heard the news regarding Paul’s illness it kinda shocked me. Here is this young man who really was full of life having to go through a battle of a lifetime. He never self pitied, never became a downer, always posted beautiful pictures of nature on Facebook along with an occasion witty joke and most importantly never gave up hope. I’m so glad he was a part of my life back in the day. He taught me wisdom, patience, courage, and love. I was thrilled when I got to share a memorable sunset with him and his family out here in California. There will always be a special spot in my heart for Paul, Marianne, Sam, Oli and Matt. May you all find peace and happiness in your memories. Love Kathy
Thank you for you comforting words, Kathy. Thank you for the pictures you sent of Paul with Lori performing at your wedding. Love to you & your family.