John Reinard
John Reinard
John Reinard, 87 of Gowanda left us on January 7, 2026, after a short illness. Known to all as Jack, he fought his illness with his characteristic toughness, and with his family by his side. He was fortunate to pass away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Nancy by his side.
Jack was born in Buffalo on April 11, 1938 to Jane (nee Sharkey) and John Benzinger. His parents divorced when Jack was around 12 years old. Jane then married Irvin Reinard. While Jack loved and respected his biological father, his step father, Irvin became a role model to Jack and he was proud to have his last name legally changed to Reinard.
Jack enjoyed his boyhood years in South Buffalo, but the family eventually moved to Evans Center and Jack graduated from Lake Shore High School in 1955. The family moved to South Dayton, NY, where Jack met and fell in love with Judy Greenlee. He worked several different jobs, but eventually joined the army (1960 – 62) and spent time in Germany. After leaving the army, he and Judy were married on April 20, 1963. Jack and Judy settled in Gowanda and there they raised six children. Jack was proud to have worked for the US Postal Service for 34 years at multiple offices, including Buffalo, Hamburg, Otto, Perrysburg, South Dayton and ultimately as Postmaster at the Gowanda office. Jack lost Judy to cancer in 2003, but was fortunate to find another soul mate, Nancy Moynihan, who he married in 2008. Jack loved his small town communities and volunteered in many organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis, and Gowanda Food Pantry. He was a member of the Gowanda Kiwanis Club, the American Legion, Slovenian Club, Moose Club, Perrysburg Conservation Club, South Dayton Rod and Gun club.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, his children, John Jr (Ni-Ni) Reinard of Tolland, CT; Lisa Reinard (Nathan Patterson) of Gowanda; Indy (Bill) Farner of Gowanda; Jennifer (James) Anglum of Penfield; NY, Kelly Remington (Bill Galloway) of Gowanda; and Michael (Nicole) Reinard of Gowanda. He is also survived by sisters: Patricia Renauld, Sandra Smalldino, Sharon (Dennis) Nichols, Tracey (John) O’Donnell, and Lisa Kobel.
He is also survived by Nancy’s children, Scott and Heather Moynihan; as well as beloved grandchildren: Grace Reinard, Kate Reinard, Alex Reinard, Ashley Troutman, Joshua Anglum, Molly Anglum, Ryan Anglum, Jason Anglum, Kevin Bailey, Tyler Bailey, Jessie Farner, Sierra Farner, Stephanie Small, Tristan Reinard, Amber Killian, Jocelyn Borkowski, AJ Borkowski, Flynn
Kerr-Moynihan, Tyler Banach; 13 great- grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Besides Judy and his parents, Jack is predeceased by his siblings Robert, Joseph, Thomas, Carol Ann Brown, Michael, Dennis, and Richard, and a grandson Dakota Jimerson.
Friends may call on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 from 2-7 pm from Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main St. in Gowanda.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 at 11 am from the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity.