John 'Jack' Reynolds Glassford, 91, passed away peacefully Monday in his Elmsford home of 60 years. He was born in Dobbs Ferry on January 30, 1933 to John Royal and Helen Francis (Reynolds) Glassford; he shared his birthday with FDR and liked to tell anyone he met. He was the proud grandson of longtime Hastings mayor and Westchester County Sheriff, Thomas F. Reynolds.
Jack enjoyed his childhood in Riverview Manor surrounded by beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He went to Hastings schools graduating in 1951 from Hastings High School where he played football and tennis. He attended Westchester Community College and, after a brief time in Florida, held several positions along the Hudson starting with Anaconda Wire & Cable, Burnham Corp., and finally General Motors from which he retired after 30 years in 1992. He continued his love of the automobile by working part time for 7 years at Hertz.
While working at Burnham in Irvington, he met and married his wife of 64 years, the former Anna Picucci, on December 26, 1959 at St. Ann's Church in Ossining. Jack and Anna started their married life in Dobbs Ferry, then Hastings, and finally moved to Elmsford in 1963. Jack was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and a proud member of UAW Local 664. He spent his long retirement bike riding, wood splitting, sun bathing, and spending time with family. He was an avid sports fan, especially watching football and boxing. Jack loved the beach and the annual family trips to LBI, Narragansett, or Sea Girt. He always said the 'best things in life are free' - a sunrise, a bike ride, a sleigh ride or flying a kite.
In addition to his beloved Anna. he is survived by their children, Deborah (Paul) Francis, Jean (Rob) Debacher, John J. (Patti), James S., Kimberly (David) Hecht and MaryEllen (John) Maher. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Brian (Molly) Debacher, Kevin (Katie) Debacher, John (fiancée Natalie) Hecht WCPD, Amanda (fiancé Dominick) Maher, Jack Maher & Lt. Christopher Hecht USAF; his devoted sisters-in-law, Ida Zavarella and Connie Marconi of Ossining and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jack was predeceased by his sister, Betty (Joseph) Swift, brother Ralph (Alice), and brother-in-law Steve (Patty) Picucci.
The family would like to thank Jack's loving caregivers: Josefa & Pedro, Lesa, Margarita & Delfa who made his last year and a half at home comfortable.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made in Jack's memory to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School c/o Sr. Mary Stephen Healy 59 E. Main St. Elmsford, NY 10523.
Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services (Elmsford)
Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Elmsford)
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
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