Memorial services pay tribute to Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes
Memorial services on Wednesday paid tribute to Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes who passed away earlier this month at the age of 80.
Following a morning visitation at Caballero Rivero Westchester, a funeral procession made its way to Miami City Hall for a memorial service to honor Reyes' seven years of public service as a member of the city's legislative body.
"Today is a day of mourning for our entire city, but it also a day to rejoice about a life well lived," Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told those gathered.
The mayor said he realized Reyes was special from the first time they met. Suarez said that, like himself, Reyes looked up to his own father who was a dedicated public servant — the mayor of his town in Cuba.
"I think in part it was his father's legacy and his desire to lead his children by example that forged his legendary perseverance. You see, there is a common thread between Manolo and my father, former Mayor Xavier Suarez, they both exemplified determination and grit," Suarez said.
Reyes' daughter-in-law, Adriana Pereira Reyes, also addressed those at the ceremony.
"On behalf of our family, we are honored and humbled by this beautiful gesture, that you would welcome us here one final time, this beautiful city hall, which will forever be a part of our family story, we will always treasure it," she said.
Following the tribute, the funeral procession proceeded to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, at 2987 W Flagler Street, for a memorial mass.
Reyes, who represented District 4, was serving the second year of his current term when his health took a downturn, forcing him to miss several City Commission meetings. Despite these setbacks, he had recently announced plans to run for mayor in 2025, sharing his intention with supporters during his 80th birthday celebration at City Hall in May.
Reyes, who had a lengthy battle with cancer and other medical challenges in recent years, died on April 11, according to his family.
Manolo Reyes' political journey
Reyes was born in 1944 in the Cuban town of Victoria de las Tunas. His father served as the town's mayor until the rise of Fidel Castro in 1959, prompting the Reyes family to flee to the U.S. In 1977, Manolo Reyes earned a degree in economics from the University of Florida, launching a public service career rooted in fiscal policy and community development.
He worked as a budget analyst for the city of Miami and later for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. He also spent time in the classroom as a teacher at Westland Hialeah Senior High.
Reyes first ran for office in 1985 and lost six consecutive elections before finally securing a seat in 2017 at the age of 73.
In his final interview with the The Miami Herald, Reyes described holding public office as a calling rather than a career.
"Power is given to you by the people to serve them, not yourself," he said.
