Arturo Reyes

With very heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our much-loved Arthur Reyes, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Arthur, lovingly known as Tutos to many, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a much too brief battle against cancer.

Raised in Santa Clara, Arthur was the eldest child of Pete and Maria Luisa Reyes. In his youth, Tutos enjoyed summers swimming at Warburton Park, serving as an altar boy for the Spanish-Language community at Saint Clare’s Church, playing football with the Santa Clara Lions and baseball with Santa Clara El Camino. As a teenager, he attended Bellarmine College Preparatory who awarded him their 1984 Santa Clara Youth Hall of Fame honor. Arthur was recognized not just for his intelligence and work ethic but also for the many hours he devoted to local volunteerism exemplifying the moral mission of St. Bellarmine of being of service to others. That same year he received the Extraordinary Christian High School Students of America award for his exemplary charity work and Christian service. These were values that Arthur embodied throughout his life. He also broke barriers and became an academic role model to many when he chose to attend the prestigious Pomona College. There he was an active member of the Sigma Tau fraternity and became known for his steadfast loyalty to friends, zany madcap adventures, and ability to quickly transition from contemplation of fundamental principles to witty banter that would induce laughter throughout the room.

After graduating with a degree in Economics, Arthur returned to Northern California and embarked on 30-year career specializing in Human Resource Management. His HR expertise spanned a range of corporate settings such as Del Monte, Toyota, Stanislaus Foods, Sunnyside Farms, Diamond of California, Gallo Wines, Lock-n-Stitch and DHL. Similar to his personal life, Arthur always endeavored to help others, develop leadership in the workplace, and be a much-trusted advisor to his colleagues. As one good friend recently commented, “he was a fountain of good advice and mentor to many.”

Notably, in life Arthur cherished the splendor of the holidays, and relished in transforming his home into magical holiday wonderlands. Many people will fondly remember his incredible creativity and how he would adorn every corner of his home exquisitely for each season. Whether it be the macabre of Halloween, the enchantment of Christmas, or autumnal Americana of Thanksgiving, Arthur had a way of creating breathtaking scenes of splendor that were awe inspiring. Essentially, Arthur had a special gift of making the mundane look absolutely beautiful. His talent for design extended to creating a stunning home for his family and throwing many a fabulous feast for family and friends.

In so many wondrous ways, Arthur was a collection of exquisite contradictions. He was both calm yet hilariously outrageous, a shy extrovert, gentle yet strong willed, nonjudgmental but a mountain of knowledge, pensive yet a fan of the utterly absurd. Arthur remained intellectually curious and interested in the world throughout his life. He was modest yet to all who loved him, Art was so beautiful inside and out. Similar to his father, Arthur loved to explore historical sites and charming little towns throughout our beautiful state. His family takes solace in remembering the many wonderful jaunts to Apple Hill, Old Sacramento, picturesque coastal outposts, and to countless scenic wineries.

Importantly, Arthur will always be much admired for his kindness, morality, good character, and devotion to his family. He was the anchor of his family, and radiated a quiet, unwavering love that served as a refuge of acceptance and security. Moreover, Art spent his entire life working hard to provide for his cherished loved ones; always putting others before himself. A man of compassion, strength, and selflessness, he was the pillar of his family, offering wisdom, warmth, and a comforting presence to all who knew him. His laughter filled our homes, his love shaped generations, and his spirit will serve as a guiding light in the lives of many. His legacy is evident in all those he impacted for the better, the wisdom he imparted to many, and the values he instilled in his children. His gentle soul, unconditional love and erudite wisdom are eternal.

Arthur is survived by his loving wife, Francisca C. Reyes, and their three children: Cecilia (Shawn Livai), Maricela (Jim Duong), and Gabriel Reyes as well as his mother, Maria Luisa Reyes and cherished grandchildren Natalie, Marissa, and Cynthia, and great-grandchild, Anthony.

Arthur was preceded in death by his father, Pete M. Reyes and cousin, Eugenia Robles. He is deeply mourned by his surviving brother, Carlos (Rebecca) Reyes, and sister, Corinna (Christopher) McKoy as well as many dear nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Viewing Service will be held on Thursday, October 30th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Catholic Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Lima Family Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA. The Burial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 31st at 12:30 p.m. at St. Clare's Parish Church, 725 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA, followed by burial at 2:00 pm at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery (St. Joseph Mausoleum). A reception at El Caminito in Sunnyvale will follow the funeral services.