Miami has lost a figure who wove his personal narrative of resilience and service into the very fabric of the city. City Commissioner for District 4, Manolo Reyes, passed away today, as confirmed by his family in a statement shared on social media, as detailed by NBC Miami. He was 80 years old and his death followed a brief hospitalization earlier in the week due to a sudden decline in health.
Commissioner Reyes, born in Cuba before seeking refuge in the United States in 1959, had lived for nearly five decades in Miami with his wife, Selva 'Chacha' Reyes. He leaves behind a formidable legacy that spans from a career in education as an economics teacher to a dedicated public servant who, as reported by the Miami Herald, won his first election to office at the age of 73 after several unwavering attempts that began in 1985. To fully engage in the canvas of public service, Reyes once remarked, was to "get power to serve, and many people forget about this."
His earlier career included roles as a budget analyst for the City of Miami, a principal analyst for the Overtown Park West Redevelopment Project, and as an analyst for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. It was in these roles that Reyes honed the skills he would later use to serve his community through elected office. According to his biography, he also contributed to the academic community by teaching at Miami Dade College and at Westland Hialeah Senior High School.
Reyes' journey in local government saw its share of challenges including health battles. After overcoming cancer in 2019, Reyes was diagnosed with leukemia in 2023 in the midst of a reelection campaign. Courageously, he announced his cancer was in remission just a year later. He then aspired to continue to shape the city's future and, according to the Miami Herald, had even announced plans to run for mayor of Miami in 2025 "God willing." Such hopes, along with the numerous memories created over a lifetime of community involvement, remain as a testament to his commitment.
Manolo Reyes is survived by his wife, two adult children, and three grandchildren. His passing marks the end of a tenure deeply rooted in the belief that to serve is the true power of holding office. Commissioner Reyes, throughout his years, notably served with the kind of steadfast dedication that often goes unnoticed in the tumult of daily politics. His absence from the City Commission, where he was about halfway through his term, will be felt by many as the community begins to navigate Miami's future without one of its long-standing advocates.
