Anthony Reyes Jr.'s Obituary
Anthony Reyes Jr, 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Known as Tony to those he loved most, he lived life with laid back joy and deep love. He was born in New York City on September 18, 1940. He lived in Lakeland, Florida for four years. Tony was a romantic through and through, thanks to his Cuban heritage. He loved music — his wife Rebecca Reyes shared fond memories of their time dancing. They met at a dance club in New York, 1965, and Tony quite literally swept her off her feet. They danced their way through life ever since. They were married for 59 years — their anniversary was August 21. Their daughters, Jennifer and Laura, recalled how he used to dance in the kitchen and living room to music like Frank Sinatra and Tito Puente. He taught his daughters how to dance by putting them on his feet and swinging them around to the music. Tony worked 25 years at Eastern Airlines as a station manager while they were the official airline for Disney World. He loved surprises, and often drove his daughters to Disney instead of school, claiming that the car was driving itself. Tony was quietly active. In his late teens, he won the NYC Central Park handball tournament. He played handball every Saturday morning — it was one of his favorite sports. He kept the trophy from that tournament in the house for years. He was also excellent at dominoes. And especially, Tony loved his family. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas were his favorite parts of the year for that very reason. It always brought him joy to see everyone gathered together. Tony is survived by wife Rebecca Reyes, daughters Jennifer Salamone and Laura Pulliam, grandchildren Gabrielle, Ben and Elijah Salamone and Sydney and Luke Pulliam, and extended family Monique Kirby (niece) and Susie Kennedy (niece). His mother passed away when he was only 9 months old – he always said he was looking forward to the day he was in Heaven to finally meet her.
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