Obituary of Hermes Reyes

HERMES REYES, of Hackensack, died on Monday, March 23, 2009, at Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Saddle Brook, at the age of 77 years. Born in Colombia, he came to this country in July of 1964. Prior to retiring, he was a machinist for Westchester Lace Company of North Bergen. He was a family man, working all his life, making sure his wife and children needed nothing. One of his main focus in the lives of his family was education. Since his education was so limited, he made sure that his children had opportunities that education would bring. As a result, he stood tall and proud when anyone mentioned his children. Through his children he had lots of joy and happiness. He was always supportive in whatever the children wanted to do, and his children expressed his sense of adventure. His wife of 53 years, Leonor Reyes, was the individual he shared his happiness and pain. He always confided in her and made sure that she was always on board with whatever decisions were made. That may be the secret of their 53 year marriage. Whenever the children wanted something, he would always say "what did your mother say" or "ask your mother." As the children grew, Mom used him as the disciplinarian, and the children knew they were in trouble if he got involved. Growing up in Columbia, he was fortunate to have eight sisters. He loved them very much as did his sisters look up to their brother. Coming from a large family was the foundation for his own life. His parents marriage, like his own, was long with a sense of commitment that is rarely seen today. The love and respect for marriage was something that his children experienced growing up. He was also an avid pool player and soccer player. He was a parishioner of Holy Trinity R. C. Church of Hackensack. Predeceased by his parents, Carmen and Jorge Reyes, two sisters, Carmen Fernandez and Elvia Vallardares, and his mother in law, Mercedes Rojas, he is survived by his wife, Leonor Reyes, his children, Colombia, Jose W., Angela, Clemencia and Diego, his grandchildren, Joe, Andrea, Zachary, Matthew and Elizabeth, and his six sisters Mariella Guitierrez, Blanca Reyes, Lyda Manzo, Priscilla Mendieta, Marua Canessa and Rosalba Soto. The Mass of Christian Burial will Friday, March 27th, at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack at 10:00 AM, with burial following at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. Visiting is on Thursday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM.