Obituary of Jesus Manuel Reyes Jr.

Our angel, Jesus Manuel Reyes Jr., passed away on April 13, 2020 at the age of 59. A longtime resident of Newark and Vineland, New Jersey, Jesus was a kind and gentle soul who will be truly missed by all that have been blessed to know and love him. Born in Rio Pedras, Puerto Rico to Ines and Jesus Manuel Reyes Sr., he would soon become a big brother to three sisters Janet, Elizabeth and Marelys Reyes. The family moved to Newark, New Jersey in 1967 where Jesus graduated from Barringer High School. Jesus, known as “Tio” to friends and family, was playful and athletic. He enjoyed karate and football, and would become a member of Barringer High School’s football team. After high school, he joined the National Guard, where he discovered an interest in cooking. His culinary talents lead him to becoming a chef, something he truly loved doing. Jesus walked through life ever seeking the Lord’s help and guidance. He was baptized at Welcome Baptist Church in Newark NJ, by the late Rev. Mathis, and in 2010, became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange, NJ. Like most of us, his life had highs and lows. This developed his belief in giving everyone a second chance as he felt God had given him. Jesus used his life experience and strong faith to counsel others – working and eventually becoming a counselor at The Hendricks House in Vineland, a shelter where he once was helped as a resident. After returning to the Newark area in 2010, he reconnected with , Deriadre Brewster after 30 years. Soon thereafter, their love grew and they married in 2012. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, his other great love was fishing. If he wasn’t working or with family on his days off , Tio was fishing! Giving back to the community while trying to help those men who were also trying to find their way back into society was one of the many things Jesus loved doing. He used his experiences through his life alongside his belief and faith in God to help people any little way he could. He showed this by assisting the elderly, volunteering at the church food pantry, and connecting with teens at the church to keep them on the right path. Jesus leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Deriadre Brewster-Reyes; Parents Ines and Jesus Manuel Reyes Sr.; His children, Mr. Tasson Reyes, Ms. Jessica Reyes, Ms. Salome Reyes and Mrs. Shay Turner(Brittney); Step-daughter Mrs. Diane Brewster-Brown(William); Granddaughters Ava and Raegan Brown; Sisters Ms. Janet Reyes, Ms. Elizabeth Reyes and Ms. Marilys Reyes, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, family and dear friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family Donations can be made in remembrance of Jesus Manuel Reyes Jr. to The Hendricks House, 542 NW Boulevard, Vineland, NJ 08360.