Manuel Rey

Manuel was born in Baracoa, Cuba his father was Francisco Rey Lambert a (Police Captain) and Gloria Delgado Felico (a schoolteacher). As the 2nd youngest of 9 and last to survive Manuels siblings included Francisco, Efrain, Fausto, Noelia, Walter, Renen, Adelina and Armando and he was extremely close to each and every one of them. As a child he grew up in a small farm town Guandao. He worked various jobs for his older brothers. He respected all his older brothers and sisters, from the oldest Frank, the entrepreneur who was the first to come to the states and was responsible for helping bring the whole family to Philadelphia, down to the youngest Armando who he protected. After fleeing from the Castro communist regime to Philadelphia he met Lidia, who was also from Cuba here on a summer vacation but unable to return to her family because of the overthrow. Being a true Patriot, my father and his older brothers Walter and Renen volunteered and joined the 2506 Brigade of 1,400 men who were trained by the CIA and invaded Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in hopes of taking their country back. The failed mission landed them as prisoners of war for 18 months and near execution. After his release he returned to Philadelphia and married Lidia in 1963 in Elton, Maryland and began a selfless life together. They had 2 children and lived in Nicetown, Logan and Hunting Park until they finally bought a home and settled in the Olney section of Philadelphia.

His work career started as a bus boy and then a waiter at the Cherry Hill Inn, where he used to tell stories of meeting artists like Ray Charles and heavy weight champion boxer Rocky Marciano. He then spent many years at the Kite and Key room in Downtown Philly's Benjamin Franklin Hotel before he finally became a steady Banquet waiter at the Franklin Plaza where he retired, a group known as the "Chain Gang". He was always especially proud serving the young men who played in the Army Navy Game for many years when in Philly. His love of politics and his Country was especially evident when we would watch the Olympics and he would always root for the USA over his homeland Cuba, and also countries that were allies or friends of the USA. His proudest moment was becoming a citizen and being able to vote. He was a loyal Philadelphia sports fan and never missed a Phillies game.

He was a devoted Catholic who loved to go to mass and was responsible for helping numerous immigrant families get baptized and enrolled in school and is Godfather to many of them. "Uncle Manny" was also extremely close with all his loving nieces and nephews.

The lives he touched, influenced, helped and guided is unmeasurable. His acts of kindness, love and generosity were evident every day of his life and is the true legacy he leaves behind as he touched everyone who crossed his path.

Family and Friends above all were the most important things in his life as there was nothing he loved more than spending time with both.

Manuel is survived by Wife: Lidia. Children; Manuel (Mika), Joseph (Dorothy). Grandchildren; Jaclyn (Matthew), Manuel, Angela, Amanda, Jennifer, (Michael). Great Grandchildren; Matthew, Alex, Raelyn, Samantha and Jaxson, sister in-laws Julia and Norma Rey as well as numerous loving nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Treasure coast Hospice:

https://www.treasurehealth.org/292/Donate