Mar Anthony Reyes

Mar Anthony Reyes, age 56 passed away peacefully at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY on August 12, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 12, 1969 in Manila, Philippines, Mar immigrated to the United States at the age of two with his parents, Ricardo and the late, Leticia, and his older siblings, Miraflor and Raymond.

A proud graduate of PS 60, Elizabeth Blackwell Junior High School, and Richmond Hill High School, Mar answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army in 1988. He served with honor until 1992, completing tours in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Somalia and South America. His bravery and dedication earned him several medals, including recognition for saving lives.

Outside of his military service, Mar was known for his wide-ranging passions. He was an avid collector of comic books, sci-fi and horror models and figurines from the 1980s and 1990s. His hobbies were as unique as he was-from martial arts and bonsai gardening to keeping elaborate freshwater aquariums and, at one point, maintaining a collection of 300 exotic snakes. He was also a devoted online shopper with a particular fondness for Ryobi tools, knives, flashlights keeping all his treasures organized in labeled plastic containers.

Mar’s generosity was legendary. He took pleasure in giving gifts to friends, family, caregivers, and even hospital staff, often to just bring a smile to their faces. He shared a deep, inseparable bond with his parents which became even stronger after his mother’s passing in 2021 and became his father’s constant companion and caregiver.

Mar is survived by his father, Ricardo Reyes; his sister, Miraflor Reyes-Ganzon and her husband, Zenin Ganzon; his brother, Raymond Reyes and his wife, Maria Reyes; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his humor, kindness and unwavering loyalty.

Mar will be remembered as a devoted son, a loving brother, a proud veteran, and a man whose strength and undying will overcame incredible obstacles and life circumstances. He says he wants his tombstone to say “HEAVY DUTY.”

Please join us in celebrating his life on Thursday, August 21, 2025 with visitation 3pm – 8pm at Werst & LaBella Funeral Home, 7141Cooper Ave, Glendale, NY. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 9:30am at Sacred Heart RC Church, 83-17 78th Ave, Glendale, NY. Burial will follow at 11:45am at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood, Farmingdale, NY.