Reyes was a respected voice in city government, representing District 4. NBC6’s Briana Nespral reports.
City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes has died, his family announced Friday, following a hospitalization earlier this week.
Reyes, a respected public servant born in Cuba who represented District 4 since 2017, had recently battled cancer and had other health issues.
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WATCH HEREIn 2023, he announced that he had leukemia. The next year, he said it was in remission, the Miami Herald reported.
On Monday, his family issued a statement saying that "in the last 24 hours the Commissioner’s health has declined and he is currently hospitalized. We ask for prayers and privacy at this time, and express our deepest appreciation for the medical professionals overseeing his care."
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In a longer statement released Friday, his family said in part: "Manolo faced his health challenges in much the same manner he faced his political campaigns: With plain-spoken leadership, with great personal courage, and with an unwavering determination to win. In the end, Manolo's life of unquestioned character, high moral purpose and commitment to public service delivered his greatest victory of all: He won the reward of reuniting with his Lord in Heaven, resting in eternal glory and peace."
An exact cause of death was not immediately provided.
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The commissioner was a well-known city leader. Messages of support and condolences poured in minutes after his passing was announced.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez remembered Reyes as "a devoted family man, fearless advocate, and true fighter" whose "warmth, laughter, and unwavering dedication to our community will never be forgotten." He also referenced his battle with cancer, saying "even in his toughest moments, he never gave up."
Reyes lived in his district, which covers Flagami and Coral Way, for "nearly five decades with his wife Selva 'Chacha' Reyes," according to the City of Miami.
The commissioner was born in Victoria de Las Tunas, Cuba, and "migrated to the United States with his parents in 1959 seeking political refuge from Fidel Castro’s regime," his biography reads. He graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, ran a small business and taught economics at Miami Dade College and Westland High School, "where he led the school’s Florida International University ('FIU') dual enrollment program in economics."
He is survived by two adult children and three grandchildren.
Read his family's whole statement here:
With profound sadness we announce the passing of City Commissioner Manolo Reyes.
Manolo cherished his family, especially his three grandsons. He loved his many, many friends all across our great communities. He yearned for a free and democratic Cuba. And he was a proud and enthusiastic Florida Gator.
His generous heart especially belonged to the residents of District 4 and all others living throughout his beloved City. Serving as a City Commissioner was Manolo's great, lifelong dream fulfilled. He energetically served his City with passion, honor and integrity every day.
When he was diagnosed with cancer some time ago, Manolo did not let his illness define him; instead, he became even more committed to accomplishing the goals he had established for himself and his City staff, beginning with his election in 2017. Manolo's ear always was attuned to "the little guy," the least among us, and he met with and counseled constituents up until only a few days before his recent hospitalization.
Manolo faced his health challenges in much the same manner he faced his political campaigns: With plain-spoken leadership, with great personal courage, and with an unwavering determination to win. In the end, Manolo's life of unquestioned character, high moral purpose and commitment to public service delivered his greatest victory of all: He won the reward of reuniting with his Lord in Heaven, resting in eternal glory and peace.
When asked recently how he wished to be remembered, Manolo humbly said: "As a man who fulfilled his solemn duties, to his family and to his community; as a man whose word was his bond, and upon whose handshake could be relied, and who never had a corrupt thought in his entire life."
Manolo is survived by his wife of 56 years, Chacha Reyes; daughter Meily and husband Antonio Rios; son Manny and wife Adriana Pereira-Reyes; grandsons, Maximo, Matthew and Daniel; sisters Mayda Rodriguez and Merle Reyes; his adored nieces and their husbands and extended family; many beloved friends and his exceptional City staff that were his District 4 family.
He was preceded in death by his sister Maika Reyes, his mother Eduviges Ortiz, and his hero, role model and political inspiration, his father Ernesto "Payes" Reyes.
