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.
