Harold "Chip" Reinhart, Jr

Wales-Harold “Chip” Reinhart, Jr., 80, born on October 5, 1945, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Wales, Massachusetts, on May 25, 2026.

Chip was born in Waco, Texas, where his parents were stationed at the end of World War II. His father served in the Army and his mother performed civilian work for the service. He spent his childhood in Milford, Connecticut as the oldest of three sons, developing a love of sports that stayed with him throughout life. He could often be found playing pick-up football, which notably left him with a metal plate in his leg for the rest of his life. He graduated from Milford High School and went on to attend Springfield College, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During these years, his love of adventure came out in numerous ski trips and hikes of Mount Washington, including a winter climb.

After college, he married Marcia Arlanian and lived on Long Island and in Milford and Storrs, Connecticut, until their divorce after more than 30 years of marriage. They had one son, Christopher, who, along with his grandchildren Jeffrey and Julia, were a great source of pride during his lifetime.

Chip spent most of his career, nearly 30 years, working for UConn in the Dean of Students office and helped countless students through college. During his time at UConn, he became an avid fan of the men’s and women’s basketball teams and had season tickets for many years. He watched as the programs rose to national prominence and celebrated when they won national championships. He also loved the Red Sox and attended many games with his family at Fenway Park. Football was probably his favorite sport, and he cheered for the New York Giants throughout his life, later adding the Patriots as a favorite team when he lived closer to Boston.

Chip was always fond of art. He never missed a chance to visit art museums in New York, Boston, and other cities he happened to be visiting. Late in life he discovered a love for opera, which he claimed came from his Italian heritage. He became a Metropolitan Opera subscriber for many years and loved visiting New York City. Over the years he likely saw all of the standard opera repertoire, as well as many new operas at the Met and at opera houses he visited around the world. Chip also enjoyed catching a Broadway show. He loved seeing comedies and dramas, often with his brother Rich.

Chip reignited his sense of adventure during retirement. He enjoyed planning trips to countries all over the world and traveled to much of Europe and countries ranging from China, South Africa, Egypt, and Argentina. He also enjoyed travelling with his brother to England, Japan, and Hawaii. Chip always proudly displayed his travel photos and brought home gifts from each destination for his family, especially for his grandchildren. To mark his 80th birthday, Chip completed what would be his final adventure, fulfilling his wish of flying in a glider.

Chip enjoyed living on the lake in Wales, and early in his retirement would kayak around the lake. He was joined at the lake house by his brother in the last 10 years of his life, providing each with friendship and companionship.

Chip leaves behind his son Christopher Reinhart and his wife Elizabeth, their children Jeffrey and Julia Reinhart, his brother Richard, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold R. Reinhart, Sr. and Catherine A. (Carbone) Reinhart, and his brother Douglas Reinhart.

Chip’s life was marked by his adventurous spirit and commitment to family when it counted. He’ll be remembered fondly by all who know him. A celebration of his life will be held in the near future.