Metropolis of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes has died on the age of 80, his household confirmed Friday morning in a press release posted to his official Instagram web page.
“With profound disappointment we announce the passing of Metropolis Commissioner Manolo Reyes,” the household’s assertion learn.
A reason for loss of life was not instantly supplied, although Miami Mayor Francis Suarez advised Local 10 News that Reyes had been battling leukemia.
“(He was) continuously combating the illness and it appeared like he was going to beat it and, you realize, each time he can be in remission, after which abruptly one thing would occur and he would bounce again it appeared with just a bit much less power and, sadly, finally it bought the higher of him,” the mayor stated.
Reyes, who represented District 4—protecting Flagami and Coral Manner—since 2017, introduced his leukemia analysis in 2023. By 2024, the Miami Herald reported it was in remission. Earlier this week, nevertheless, his household shared that his situation had taken a flip. “Within the final 24 hours, the Commissioner’s well being has declined and he’s at present hospitalized,” they stated in a Monday replace asking for prayers and privateness.
– Commercial –
Tributes poured in Friday as information of his loss of life unfold. Mayor Suarez remembered him as “a faithful household man, fearless advocate, and true fighter” whose “heat, laughter, and unwavering dedication to our group won’t ever be forgotten.”
Reyes was born in Victoria de Las Tunas, Cuba, and migrated to the USA along with his household in 1959, in search of refuge from Fidel Castro’s regime. He graduated from the College of Florida in Gainesville and later taught economics at Miami Dade Faculty and Westland Excessive Faculty, the place he additionally led the college’s twin enrollment program in economics in partnership with Florida Worldwide College.
Earlier than getting into public workplace, Reyes was a small enterprise proprietor and a revered educator. He was first elected to the Metropolis Fee in 2017 with 57% of the vote and reelected in 2019 with out opposition.
He lived in District 4 for almost 5 a long time along with his spouse, Selva “Chacha” Reyes. He’s survived by her, their two grownup kids, and three grandchildren.
