The man credited with making aluminum foil a staple item in the kitchen — therefore allowing countless dinner leftovers to become next-day lunches – died Monday in Richmond, Va., at the age of 96.

David P. Reynolds was the last member of his family to head Reynolds Metals, which was founded in 1919 by his father. Reynolds joined the business in 1937 and at the age of 71, he retired as company chairman and chief executive. In 1995, he left the company’s board.

After World War II, as aluminum sales slowed, Reynolds used TV spots to show U.S. consumers how aluminum foil — Reynolds Wrap — could be used in cooking. The company also made the first aluminum cans for Pepsi.

“It was very important in helping build the American soft drink business,” John Sicher, the publisher of Beverage Digest, told The New York Times.

When he wasn’t working, Reynolds owned thoroughbred racehorses, including dual classic winner Tabasco Cat.