MIAMI – A public memorial service and mass were held Wednesday for City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who died last week at 80 years old.
“It’s a day of mourning, but it’s also a day of celebration for the life that he lived. He lived an incredible life,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told Local 10’s Annaliese Garcia. “He’s someone who left an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of so many. And I think we want to demonstrate to him and his family the regalia that’s, you know, that’s appropriate for someone who left such a legacy of work and goodness in this world.”
Reyes’ casket passed by Miami City Hall at 10:30 a.m., honoring his seven years of public service as a member of the city’s legislative body.
A memorial service was held in the Rotunda at City Hall followed by a funeral procession to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, located at 2987 W. Flagler St.
A memorial mass was then held at the church at 12:30 p.m.
Reyes died Friday after battling leukemia.
He was first elected to the Miami commission in November 2017.
He was reelected to the District 4 seat, representing Flagami and Coral Way, in 2019 without opposition.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered that all U.S. and State of Florida flags in Miami-Dade County be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Wednesday in Reyes’ honor.
— City of Miami (@CityofMiami) April 14, 2025
Statement from Reyes family issued Friday:
“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.”