John V. Reynolds, 68, died Jan. 27, 2020, at St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem, from cancer. He was the husband of Rachel Reynolds for 46 years.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University and a doctorate of philosophy degree from Rutgers University, both in political science.

He was a professor of political science at Moravian College, using the study of American politics to show students how to question, analyze and trust the power of institutions to preserve democracy, from 1979 until his death.

He was the founder of The Promise of the Rainbow, a conference of local high school students focused on discussing issues of race and diversity. He was a former chair of the Lehigh Valley Children’s Coalition, a public policy advocacy group. He was the parent advisory committee representative for Thomas Jefferson E.S. for several years. He was, for parts of three decades, a baseball and softball coach at North Central Little League and basketball with the Hurricane Basketball Club.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Scott (wife Jennifer), William (fiancé Natalie), Molly (husband Joel), Joe, and Elizabeth; a brother Dan (wife Mary); and four grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to the Dr. John V. Reynolds Scholarship Fund to benefit first generation college students at Moravian College, 1200 Main St., Bethlehem, PA, 18018; or by visiting www.moravian.edu/makeagift.

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.