Hugh Alexander Reynolds

Hugh Alexander Reynolds May 14, 1946 – July 14, 2025 Hugh Alexander Reynolds, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania passed away on July 14, 2025, after stoically facing advanced Myelodysplastic Syndrome for 8 months. Hugh is survived by his wife, Susan Reynolds; his daughters, Alexis Cook, Heather Reynolds, and Jessica Reynolds; his grandchildren, Theodore and Amy Cook; his sister Karen Hires, brother Ross Reynolds and many extended relatives. Born in Philadelphia on May 14, 1946, Hugh attended Cynwyd Elementary School, Episcopal Academy and Lafayette College and spent his life living in Cynwyd, Merion, Villanova, Stratford and Wynnewood. An excellent technologist, he embarked on a career in computer data processing in 1964 working with small computers before advancing to IBM mainframe systems in the 1970s. While at Girard Bank, he played a pivotal role in designing systems that consolidated customer account information and pioneered one of the East Coast’s first telephone banking platforms which, at its peak, handled 10% of Touch-Tone bill payments nationally. Working for the Kuljian Group, Hugh went on to develop several banking systems on different platforms and in different programming languages including the first transaction-oriented, mission-critical DB2 system available to banks. He worked for a month in Calcutta, India and later, journeyed to Calcutta for a single day to present on bank automation, a testament to his expertise and dedication. Hugh had a lifelong passion for travel. His first big trip was driving across the USA in 1966. This was followed by summer trips sightseeing in Europe and winter trips skiing in Lake Tahoe, the Alps and New England. In 1980, he and Susan, set off on an 80-day journey around the world aboard Pan Am Flight One which took them to Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal. From skiing and visiting national parks to exploring the corners of Europe, Hugh’s life was marked by curiosity. He later shared this passion with his children and friends, carefully crafting memorable trips throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Egypt, Jordan and Israel. Hugh took immense pride in having visited all 50 U.S. states and nearly every National Park, with the exception of those in U.S.Territories and the most remote parks of Alaska. Whenever possible, Hugh would pause his career to explore before finding his next job opportunity—his talent and generous spirit frequently led former colleagues to recommend him for new roles by the time he returned. MacMahan Island, Maine held a special place in Hugh’s heart. Since his first visit in 1947, he returned every summer but one and served for two years with pride as an “island boy” alongside longtime friend and island manager Bill Bisseth. He loved introducing his family and friends to the island and surrounding boating destinations. Hugh will be remembered for his meticulous planning, boundless enthusiasm, patient mentoring and warm devotion to family, friends and co-workers. His spirit of adventure, love of learning, and thoughtful generosity leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Consider a donation in Hugh’s memory to The Nature Conservancy https://preserve.nature.org/ or a charity of your choice.

Tributes

Hugh Alexander Reynolds

May 14, 1946 - July 14, 2025