Donald Lee Reynolds, Sr.

Donald Lee Reynolds Sr., age 66, of Sadsbury, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Don later moved to Havertown, PA, where he built a family, established deep roots, and forged lifelong friendships.

Growing up as a foster child, Don’s early experiences shaped the compassionate man he became. This empathy remained a cornerstone of his character, as he always had a soft spot for those facing tough times, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, and unwavering support.

In Havertown, Don met the love of his life, Dianne (Jarrell) Reynolds, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children: Sergeant Major Donald Reynolds Jr., Kelly (Reynolds) Porreca, and Danielle Reynolds. He was also the son of the late Thomas Reynolds and Hazel Calhoun Reynolds.

Don graduated from Haverford High School in 1977 and earned his electrician certification from RETS Electronic School in 1982. He devoted over 25 years of his career to Swarthmore College, where he worked in the Psychology Department. Known for his ingenuity, he helped design and build experimental equipment for the faculty. Given his long hair and leather jackets, some might argue he was also a part of their experimental studies though likely not in the way they had planned!

A dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Bon Air Fire Company in Havertown, Don served his community proudly for many years. His fire chief fondly remembered him as a strong volunteer who kept the team in line and made the job easier, though, admittedly, contributed to his hair turning gray a bit sooner than expected!

Don was a hobbyist and collector at heart, finding joy in both creating and acquiring. Whether working on a project, covered in grease, or tinkering with prototypes in his garage, he found peace in his hands-on work. His passion extended to all things mechanical, whether it flew, went boom, or had a motor. Some of these projects operated with varying degrees of success though "success" was often a matter of perspective, and sometimes, a fire extinguisher.

A lover of music, Don had an extensive collection of vinyl records, filling every corner of his home. There was always room for one more record, even if it meant sacrificing space for a coat rack. His interests spanned photography, music, car racing, and, most passionately, motorcycle riding.

As a proud grandfather, Don was affectionately known as "Poppy" or "Monkey" by his six grandchildren: Ella (12), Aiden (10), Bronson (7), Hayley (7), Leo (7), and Farrah (5). Being their grandfather brought him immense joy and was one of the greatest honors of his life.

In addition to his wife, Dianne, Don is survived by his son, Donald Reynolds Jr. and his wife, Dan’yell, of Oahu, Hawaii; his daughters, Kelly Porreca and her husband, David, of West Chester, PA and Danielle Reynolds and her partner, Joseph Clarke; and his six cherished grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Donald’s loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in the Atrium of the Gold Ballroom at Mendenhall Inn, 323 Kennett Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. A Life Celebration Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Fostering Hope, an organization that serves the Foster Care Community at https://fosteringhopepa.com/get-involved/donate/

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Don’s online tribute, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.