COCONUT GROVE, FLA. (WSVN) - City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who dedicated his life to public service, has died. He was 80 years old.
His family said in a statement on Friday that reads: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Miami City Commissioner for District 4 Manolo Reyes.”
Reyes faced health issues in recent years, including cancer, and he had been hospitalized since Monday due to a decline in health.
On Monday night, his family asked for prayers and privacy and expressed their deepest appreciation for the medical professionals overseeing his care. Loved ones did not provide further details.
Reyes was born in Cuba and came to Miami as a teenager. He worked as an economist and served as a budget analyst for the city for years before becoming a city commissioner.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than to see a smile on a kid,” he said in December of 2008. “There’s nothing more rewarding than to be able to help somebody.”
Reyes tried to run for commission six times since 1985 but was unsuccessful until the age of 73, when he was elected to the city commission in 2017. He served District 4 in the Coral Way area.
Not long after, his health issues began when he was diagnosed with leukemia. But by February 2024, he announced that his cancer was in remission.
Then, he recently began to miss city meetings as his health worsened once again. He would ultimately lose his battle to cancer.
In the wake of the news, the flag at Miami’s City Hall was lowered at half-staff on Friday in remembrance of Reyes.
A former opponent of Reyes, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, released the following statement on Reyes’ passing:
“Manolo Reyes was a devoted man and a passionate public servant who spent decades fighting for the causes he believed in. His life was a true testament to perseverance and resilience. Every time I saw Manolo, he greeted me with a warm smile, a heartfelt hug, and a laugh that could light up any room. Even in his toughest moments, he never gave up — on himself, on his community, or on the fight against the illness that ultimately took his life. His presence, his spirit, and his unwavering dedication will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Reyes had announced previously that he was going to run for mayor. Although he ultimately would not file, Suarez said he would have been a great successor.
“He was an example of what it was to disagree agreeably with people, but he was also passionate about what he felt like. When he was on an issue, it was hard to move him from that issue because he was passionate about it,” said Suarez. “I think his legacy will be defined by the care in which he took care of his district, by the passion that he showed in certain issues, and by his desire to continue to serve above and beyond the adversity that he faced.”
Commissioners echoed the mayor’s statements.
“I very much admired him, even though once in a while we would get into a heated discussion. But, at the end of the day, he wouldn’t make it personal, and he would say, if it was a good meeting, he’d tell you, ‘a good meeting,'” said City Commissioner Miguel Gabela.
In a recent statement, his family said:
“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.”
Reyes’ family said his commitment to the community lasted in the days leading up to his death, when he met with constituents even while battling illness.
Reyes was only about halfway through his term at City Hall when he passed.
Suarez said Reyes’ seat on the city commission will likely be filled through a special election at a later date.
He is survived by his wife, two adult children and several grandchildren.
A funeral Mass for Reyes will be held Wednesday at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Parish, located at 2987 West Flagler St. It is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m.
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