MIAMI – City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes has died, his family confirmed Friday morning on social media. He was 80 years old.
“With profound sadness we announce the passing of City Commissioner Manolo Reyes,” the statement posted to the @manolo4miami Instagram page read.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez later confirmed to Local 10 News that Reyes had been battling leukemia.
“(He was) constantly fighting the disease and it seemed like he was going to beat it and, you know, every time he would be in remission, and then all of a sudden something would happen and he would bounce back it seemed with just a little less energy and, unfortunately, eventually it got the better of him,” the mayor said.
Miami residents quickly took to the comment section of the Instagram post to express their condolences.
“One of the finest public servants we have ever had,” one person wrote.
“My deepest condolences to the family,” another person posted. “He was and will be one of the greatest politicians of Miami. He did so much for our community.”
According to the city’s website, Reyes was first elected to the commission in November 2017, receiving 57% of the vote.
He was reelected to the District 4 seat, representing Flagami and Coral Way, in 2019 without opposition.
Before speaking with Local 10 News, Suarez released a statement Friday morning, saying in part that “His warmth, laughter, and unwavering dedication to our community will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Manolo. You will be deeply missed.”
Remembering Commissioner Manolo Reyes — a devoted family man, fearless advocate, and true fighter. His warmth, laughter, and unwavering dedication to our community will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Manolo. You will be deeply missed. @Manolo4Miami pic.twitter.com/Bgg3boUjDt
— Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) April 11, 2025
While speaking with Local 10 News, Suarez praised the late commissioner.
“He was a model of perseverance,” the mayor said. “I think many people forget that he ran about six times before he was ultimately elected to the city commission eight years ago, and so I think it’s a testament to his undefeatable desire to serve the public.”
Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo released the following statement on Reyes’ passing.
“Manolo Reyes was a friend, a colleague, but most importantly, an exceptional role model.
“I will never forget his kindness and warmth, his welcoming hug to the dais during my first days as commissioner, and his welcoming smile. I will remember him for his intellect, passion, humility, strength, love of community, family, and service. May we all aspire to follow the principles, values, and actions that made Commissioner Manolo Reyes such an outstanding elected public official.
“It was my honor and privilege to serve alongside him, and I will miss him deeply. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in his legacy.”
Reyes and his wife Selva “Chacha” Reyes have lived in District 4 for nearly 50 years.
He is survived by his wife, their two adult children and their three grandsons, among other loved ones.
Full statement from Reyes family:
“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.”