Lucien Guy Reny passed peacefully at his home in Weston, MA surrounded by loved ones on Sunday April 22, 2018 after treatment at Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Born on November 19, 1927 to Estelle Corriveau and Lucien Hughes Reny of Lewiston and Old Orchard Beach, ME, Guy was the adored eldest brother of eight children. He grew up speaking French at home and in school until the fourth grade, continuing his education in Belmont, MA under the care of an aunt and uncle. A gifted natural athlete, Guy excelled in gymnastics, tennis, basketball, and baseball. Throughout high school he worked weekday afternoons for the local electric company and was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol. Guy graduated early from Belmont High in January 1945 to enlist in the Navy prior to the end of WWII. Returning from service in the South Pacific, he attended Boston College on the GI Bill, where he played varsity tennis, captained the ski team, and graduated in 1951 with a business degree. Sharing a love of children, Guy married his high school sweetheart and lifelong love, Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson, on May 29, 1951.
Enterprising, and with great instincts and common sense, Guy worked hard and was willing to take a risk on a good opportunity. A humble man of the highest integrity without any pretense, Guy treated everyone with respect. He was grateful for his luck in life and generous in sharing his good fortune. Guy built a successful business career in the printing industry, rising to National Sales Manager for Thomas Collators Inc. in NYC. Recruited in 1972 to become President of Standard Duplicating Machines Corporation in Everett, MA, he skillfully grew the company, building a new headquarters in Andover, MA and acquiring full ownership. Guy cherished working closely with his sons and a grandson as he turned over to them the daily responsibility of running the business. Guy went to the office every week, remaining the pillar of Standard and Chairman of the Board until his passing.
A family man to the core, Guy’s greatest joy was spending time with every generation of his expansive clan, at his much-loved Westport Harbor, MA summer home, in Weston at Christmas as Santa extraordinaire, and also at Palmas del Mar, PR walking the beach and collecting shells. The quintessential provider, “Grampy” enjoyed filling his shopping cart and cooking meals for twenty-plus. His boat was aptly named “Full House”. Guy was frequently found with family and friends on the tennis courts and golf course at the Acoaxet Club and Weston Golf Club until he was 90. A keen competitor and the consummate gentleman with a great sense of humor and a warm smile, he was everyone’s favorite partner or opponent. Guy also loved big band music, Pavarotti arias, dancing with Betty, and playing cards and board games.
Guy is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, seven children (daughter Beth and George Maxted, son Tim Reny and Amy Wheeler, son David and Nancy Reny, son Doug Reny and Lynn McKenna, daughter Jane and Stephen Frank, son Steven and Audrey Reny, son Mark Reny and Brenna Hamer), seventeen grandchildren (Aimee and Josh Morin, David, Sarah, and Kate Maxted; Paul, Jonathan, and Thomas Reny; Christine and Alex Wright, Suzanne and Cliff Longley, and Michelle Reny; William, Elizabeth, and Caroline Frank; Danielle and Gillian Reny; Lacoya and Nakai Reny-Hamer), two great grandchildren (Lyla and Lucien Morin), four siblings (Paul Reny, Roger Reny, Robert Reny, and Justina Libby, with Jacqueline Gaudreau, Gilles Reny, and Andre Reny having passed), and many nieces and nephews. Guy will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. His inspiring spirit lives on.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11am Friday, May 25th at All Saints’ Church in Belmont, MA. A reception will follow from 1-4pm at the Weston Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in Guy’s memory may be made to The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at www.bwhsteppingstrong.org.