Obituary: Dave Reynolds
Dave Reynolds died on Saturday in Fairfield, after a long battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.
To generations of Westporters, he was the welcoming owner of Ye Olde Bridge Grille — and the sponsor of the Bridge Grille U-23 teams that dominated Connecticut soccer for years in the 1970s and ’80s.
Dave’s bar was located on Post Road West, next door to National Hall (at that point, the Fairfield Furniture store). It was the “Cheers” of its day (though smaller and less well lit). Today it’s an interior design shop.
Dave — an excellent golfer — became a soccer fan thanks to several of his bartenders, including Dennis Murphy ’73 and Stuart McCarthy ’79. His Bridge teams won numerous state championships, with a roster that included some of Staples’ best players ever, and top stars from around the tri-state area. It was the goal of every Wrecker to play for “The Bridge,” with teammates like NASL star Pedro DeBrito, and future University of Connecticut coach Ray Reid.
The matches were classic (and The Bridge inevitably won). The post-game celebrations back at the bar were legendary.
Dave’s first sport was basketball, which he played at Boston College. Golf was his second. But soccer was an important part of his life, and he was very important to Westport soccer.
After graduating from BC in 1963, Dave worked on Wall Street. Owning the Bridge Grille was his second career.
He was a devout parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus.
Dave is survived by his sister, Mary Anne Reynolds; 2 sisters-in-law, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Arthur, Frank, Robert and Paul.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday (April 27, 11 a.m.) at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Road, Fairfield, with burial to follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus.
Dave Reynolds, in the Bridge Grille
Clockwise from upper left: Kevin, Eddie, Ken and Dennis Murphy, in their Bridge Grill kit.
Late’70s Bridge Grille team. Front row (from left): Kenny Murphy, Phil Moen, Ray Forehand, Dana Hollingsworth, Dennis Murphy, Danny Ury, Bucky Rosenfield. Back row: ?, Kevin Murphy, Jeff Williamson, Eric Swallow, Steve Dickstein, Dave Wilson, Ed Murphy.
