Jose M. Reyes

Jose M. Reyes of Wynantskill NY passed away peacefully on May 2, 2017 with his family by his side. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on July 1, 1952 he was the beloved son of Paula Diaz and (the late) Francisco Reyes.

On August 24, 1996 he married his "Mami", Anita (Seeloff) Reyes and turned in his "city" life and joined his wife and son Dakota in the "country" way of life. Jose was the proud father of Joe, Ricardo, Michael, Dakota and was a father figure to his Baby Girl, Brianna, as well as 5 other children. Jose was a loving Wuelo to his granddaughter Melina and was excited to welcome a new "granddaughter", Harper. Jose was so proud to be asked to be the Godfather of his great friends Joanne and John DeVito's daughter Christine who he affectionately nicknamed "La Princesa".

Jose has 8 surviving siblings: Jorge Reyes, Maritza Torres, Marlyn Ellis, Paula Reyes, Ana Diaz, Lourdes Reyes, Elizabeth Reyes-Diaz and Juan Reyes. He was pre-deceased by his brother Francisco "Cisco" Reyes. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Jose was a 29-year employee of WWAARC supervising a training program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at both the Leo O'Brien Federal Building and James T. Foley Courthouse, retiring June 2014. Within one year of retirement Jose went back to work part-time for WWAARC as retirement was just too boring to him.

To Jose…there was only one sport and that was baseball…he equally loved the New York Yankees and hated the Boston Red Sox. He, along with his friend John DeVito, coached at Twin Town Little Leagule winning almost every yearly championship game they coached…he then went on to coach his son

Dakota at the Devil Cats ball fields. Along with his wife, Anita, Jose loved to go to the casinos, visiting "his island" of Puerto Rico often taking family and friends with him and camping at Broken Wheel. He was known as "Papi" to everyone. He loved to cook and was exceptional at it…often sharing his food with friends and strangers who would walk by his "camp kitchen".

There will NEVER be another Jose Reyes…he was definitely a one of a kind person and will be missed by everyone who were blessed to know him…if only for a day. Rest In Peace Dad/Papi…till we meet again.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at New Comer Funerals & Cremations, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY 12189. A funeral service will be held Friday at 10:00am at the funeral home.