Lloyd Jack Reynolds, 79, of Sarasota, Fla., died Nov. 6, 2019, after a battle with heart and kidney failure.

Born in Somerset, he was a son of Dr. Oscar Lloyd Reynolds and Elizabeth Hyatt Farmer.

He grew up in Tunkhannock, where he played football, basketball and volleyball, and he still has his Tigers letterman jacket to prove it.

He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and started working as a high school science teacher in New Castle, Del.

There, he met his first wife, the late Geraldine Grubb.

Always one for an adventure, he saw a sign in the hallway of his school asking for teachers to teach in Europe, and he jumped on it.

He spent two years teaching at the Frankfurt International School and, while there, developed his zeal for international travel and German beer.

He regaled his family and friends for the rest of his days with stories of skiing in the Alps, driving on the Autobahn and camping around the fjords of Norway.

He earned his Master of Science degree in psychology from Bowling Green State University, Ohio.

From there, he went on to become director of pupil services for Parkland School District, where he served for more than 20 years.

He later worked for the Department of Education in Harrisburg for 10 years.

He remarried in 1997, to his devoted wife, Andrea, who survives him.

After more than 30 years in education, he and his wife retired to Sarasota.

There, he volunteered as a tram driver for the Ringling Museum; was as an usher for spring training at the Baltimore Orioles field; served as a Guardian Ad Litem for young people in need; and was a Stephen Minister for the Church of the Palms.

In addition to volunteer work, he maintained his love of travel throughout his life.

He took his family to Scotland and England on their first trip abroad, and later to India on a mission trip with their church.

He visited Malawi, Spain and France; traveled to Italy, Argentina, Ireland, Germany, and Norway, and along with one ill-advised trip to Thailand during political riots, he went on cruises throughout the Caribbean, where he was not shy about eating as much as he could in order to get his money’s worth.

He leaves behind many wooden apple crates, Mason jars, and other “treasures” from the auction sales he frequented throughout his life.

His real treasure, however, is his wife, Andrea, to whom he was married more than 20 years.

He is also survived by daughters Kathy Blozy, Jeannine Alter and Dayrel Sipes; stepsons Mark and Andrew Hosier; sisters Liz, Peggy and Maddie; brother Bill; and grandchildren Jake, Luke and Tessa Blozy; Sadie and Emma Alter; Lee and Tori Sipes; Landon, Bella, Giada, Marie, and Andrea Hosier.

He played an important role in the lives of his nieces and nephews, and will be missed at future camping trips and reunions.

Always positive and hopeful, he looked at the bright side of every situation.

Just days before his death, one of the last things he said to his pastor was “life is good” (though the pain medication may have played a role there).

When Andrea was diagnosed with ALS, he took one day at a time, still made plans to travel and see family, and wanted to take care of his wife, as she had taken care of him in his time of need.

In lieu of flowers, he would appreciate any donations be made to alsone.org/donate/ to help find a cure for his wife and all others battling this disease.

A celebration of his life will be 11 a.m. on Nov. 23 at Church of the Palms, Sarasota.

To leave condolences, visit his Book of Memories at falkfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements made by Falk Funeral Homes.