Permanent Deacon Peter Reynolds, 78, of Dobbs Ferry, entered eternal life on Friday, May 19, 2023, at White Plains Hospital. Peter was born in Dobbs Ferry, to Thomas and Edwina Reynolds. His childhood years were largely spent in joy with his five siblings in the Town of Mamaroneck.

Following their courtship, he pursued schooling to become a Certified Physician Assistant. He went on to become a pioneer in the medical field as a PA-C when the profession was still yet to be recognized by major hospitals. When Saint John’s Riverside Hospital attempted to deny Peter from caring for patients, Peter took his case, Reynolds v. Medical & Dental Staff, 86 Misc. 418 (1976) to the Supreme Court. Upon winning his case, this landmark decision paved the way for all future PAs to work in hospitals across the country. Peter worked over 40 years in the medical field as a PA-C, most memorably under Dr. Paul Rosch in Yonkers, and later at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw.

In addition to caring for his patients, Peter dedicated time to serving his local community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He is well remembered for his dedication to helping those around him and living a life of service compelled by his faith. Peter was a devout Catholic. He studied assiduously to become a deacon. He was ordained at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on May 24, 1986, and served many local parishes, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Columba’s in Chester. He baptized countless grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and close family friends. Although he served in many parishes, he was most honored when he celebrated Mass alongside his close friend Auxiliary Bishop John Bonnici of the Archdiocese of New York.

Peter was widowed in January 2020 and missed his beloved wife Josephine dearly. Following her passing, he lived with his granddaughter Jackie, partner James, and great-granddaughter Josephine, providing them never-ending love and purpose. Peter had many close friends that helped him cope with his loss of “Jo.” He especially enjoyed socializing with them at the local Saw Mill Tavern in Ardsley. Peter is at peace and reunited with Josephine in Heaven.

Peter is survived by his two children Joseph Tedesco Jr. and Susan Celona; his siblings Thomas Reynolds, his wife Barbara, Mary Commisso, her husband Lou, Maureen Vincent, Robert Reynolds, his wife Phyllis, Jerry Reynolds, and his wife Ellen; his three grandchildren Jessica Celona-Simao, her husband Rui Simao, Jacklyn Celona, her partner James Mastrangelo, and Joseph Tedesco III; his two great-grandchildren Jamie Celona and Josephine Mastrangelo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be missed tirelessly until we are united again for eternity.