Fernando Reyes

Fernando F. Reyes, warmly known to all as “Tatay,” passed away peacefully on August 18, 2023.  He was 82 years old.  His wife, Diana, and all his children were at his side at the time of his death.

Tatay was born on March 4, 1941 in Cavite, Philippines.  He was the oldest of eight children. At a young age, he spent a lot of time with his aunt because his father was a full-time minister and was often assigned to many places in the Philippines.  Because of this, he acted as the head of the household to his younger siblings.  

Tatay attended the University of the East in the Philippines, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  Tatay joined the ROTC then went on to join the Philippine Constabulary based out of Camp Crame.  He was very proud of his position as a military officer, reaching the rank of Lieutenant.  The military was always an important part of Tatay’s life.  However, he left the military early as he later had a family to support.  Looking for a safer and more stable career, he ventured into business and became a very successful businessman in the Philippines.  He obtained a degree in electrical engineering.  Tatay was passionate about his independence and knew he wanted to work for himself instead of working for someone else, a goal that helped drive his entire career.  He worked his way up and ultimately owned and ran several businesses in the Philippines, including an electronics company, an auto body shop, and a restaurant, among others.

Tatay was doing very well in the Philippines.  However, he decided to make the difficult decision to leave his businesses to bring his family to the United States in 1979. His uncle encouraged him to try real estate.  Tatay then became a very successful real estate partner with Roland Land Investment Company in the United States.  He quickly learned all the business techniques in property investments, especially in selling land.  He earned his Master of Science in Real Estate.  He became quite successful and opened his own company called Secured Land Investments with a partner. Later, he split with his partner and opened his own company called FDR Land Company, which he successfully ran for several decades.  

Tatay had many interests and hobbies throughout his life.  He loved playing tennis in his younger years and even later in life.  However, he loved golf the most and continued playing as much as he could, even as recently as this year.  He enjoyed golfing on his own and with friends and family.  He loved taking his sons, sons-in-law, grandsons, and other family members golfing as well.

Tatay enjoyed spending time with his loyal (guard) dog, Pee Wee.  Pee Wee was fiercely protective of Tatay, barking at anyone who came near him.  However, when it was just Pee Wee and Tatay, Pee Wee was always loving with Tatay, often snuggling close to Tatay.  Tatay brought Pee Wee with him often.

One of Tatay’s great passions was music.  He loved music and singing.  He spent many hours singing karaoke with friends.  He played the guitar at a young age and was a self-taught piano player.  Music continued to be one of Tatay’s passions for his entire life.  He began playing violin about eight years ago when a good friend taught him with private lessons.  After his good friend passed away, he stopped playing.  Just last year, Tatay resumed private lessons and was so proud of his progress.  He often made Facetime calls with his children to play for them and show them what he learned.

Another great passion of Tatay’s was traveling.  He loved traveling internationally and throughout his life traveled to: Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Montenegro, Greece, Scotland, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Amsterdam, Canada, Latvia, Baltic Sea, China, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Cuba, Croatia, St. John, Halifax, Costa Rica, Columbia, Panama, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Nassau, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Barcelona.  He loved good food and trying new foods in every country he visited.

Tatay’s last great passion and perhaps his greatest was his family.  He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.  When his children were young, he took them on family trips every year.  In their adulthood, he traveled with them still.  Every birthday, holiday and special occasion was spent surrounded by his wife, his children, and grandchildren.  Tatay is survived by his wife, Diana, as well as his children Dores (Joel) Jaime, Maria Reyes, Cristina (Rommel) Embisan, Ian (Kate) Reyes, Dhiya (Mark) Villanueva, and Kenneth (Shan’L) Reyes; his 12 grandchildren: Rachelle, Kristine, Hazel, James, Katrina, Joel Dylan, Madeline, Jordan, Cristina, Emma, Chase, and Kameron; and 4 great-grandchildren.  Tatay is predeceased by his sons, Fernando Reyes, Jr. (Peata) and Peter Reyes.