Reynaldo Niño

Rey’s story began in the Magnolia Park neighborhood where he was born at home. His childhood included spending time in his father’s workshop working with his hands. He learned how to repair all kinds of machinery, yet spent more time working on cars. He once mentioned he and his brother rebuilt a car engine as teenagers.

As a student, he was elected into the honor society in junior high and was recognized for perfect attendance at Milby High School. After graduation he joined the US Naval Reserve and completed his training as a member of Company A-156 U.S. Naval Reserve on August 18, 1953 at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois.

A few years later he married “the girl across the street” who he met at the age of 8 when her family moved into the neighborhood. They started dating after high school and were married in April 1956. Then Uncle Sam came calling and Rey was drafted.

After completing basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, Rey attended the Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. During his tenure, Rey served in the Army Corps of Engineers on the Redstone Missile Project, the same type of missiles which would later be used to launch the first Americans into space.

Upon returning to Houston, Rey devoted time to support his growing family. For a few years he worked at a local electronics and appliance store. During this time, he built his own set of stereo sound speakers and welded a custom grill for his new truck.

Then in 1964, Rey began his journey into the world of coin operated washers and dryers with Apartment Washer Service, Houston’s largest operator of apartment laundry facilities. Through the years he would move up the ranks and eventually become an installation supervisor as the company went through two different transitions before he retired in 1996.

Rey was quite an industrious and resourceful man. He could fix anything and was everyone’s resource for any do-it-yourself activities around the house. Whenever family or friends needed assistance with installations or repairs, Rey was the first man they would call for advice. He was also quick to come to the rescue when his children or relatives had car trouble.

In his younger days, Rey enjoyed photography and created his own dark room for developing his film and printing black and white photos. Some of his other hobbies included fishing, boating, scuba diving, hunting, electronics, wood working and traveling. Many family summer vacations included road trips to visit friends and relatives around the country.

During retirement, Rey and Alicia spent time eating out, taking occasional trips to the casino and looking after their grandsons. They also participated in events with the 147th Ace-in-the-Hole Retirees and joined other seniors from the church for various day trips. In addition, Rey was an avid reader of the local newspaper and subscribed to the daily printed edition.

Rey was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Alicia; parents Primitivo and Natividad Niño; brother Oscar Niño and sister Cristina Cox.

He is survived by his four children Donald, Arthur, Diane and Elaine; grandsons Allen, Ryan and Kevin; son-in-law Paul; and daughter-in-law Danna.

Often referred to as a dignified gentleman, Reynaldo Niño will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his kindness, generosity, integrity, loyalty and devotion to family.

A visitation for Reynaldo will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598. A committal service will occur Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598.