"Lit a candle in memory of Mario Albert Reyes, Sr."
In loving memory of
Mario Albert Reyes, Sr.
July 29, 1944 - August 1, 2017
Mario Reyes Sr. was born on July 29, 1944 in Tijuana, Mexico to his parents Ernesto and Mercedes Borjorquez. Sadly, he left us on August 1, 2017 at the age of 73. Mario grew up in Los Banos and attended local elementary schools, Los Banos High School and received an AA degree from Merced Junior College. At the age of 23, he was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1968 to 1970.
During his military service, he served to protect our country during the Vietnam War. During his tour of duty with “The Regulars” of Company B 3rd Battalion 22nd Infantry, Mario survived numerous battles including human wave attacks by the enemy. He was wounded while in combat for which he was awarded numerous medals including the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars, one of which was for valor. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW organizations.
Mario was a very hard-working man who always gave 100% effort. As a young man, he worked for various businesses and companies including 20 years for the Chevron Corporation. He then became a commercial truck driver for Trans Valley Transport. He later became employed by Santa Clara Transfer where he worked for the last 18 years.
When he wasn’t driving or cleaning his big rig, Mario enjoyed working in his yard, listening to Oldies But Goodies music and watching the news and Judge Judy. But more importantly, Mario loved people, especially his family. He had a great sense of humor and loved “getting the best” of other people. Mario had many, many friends all of whom he considered to be family, and he truly loved all of his family. Mario is preceded in death by his son, Victor Silva Reyes, Mercedes Adrian his mother and Ernesto Borjorquez his father.
He is survived by Sherry Reyes, with whom he shared 53 years, 48 of those years as husband and wife; 4 children, Yolanda Flores, Lisa Pritsch (Mark), Mario Reyes Jr. (Debbie), Shannon Reyes (Daughter-in-law); his sister Imelda Zavala (Ray); 3 half-brothers George Borjorquez, Oscar Borjorquez, Alfred Borjorquez; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 10 nieces and nephews and numerous cousins and extended family. He is and will forever be greatly missed…until we meet again.
A Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Los Banos followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am.
Tributes
"Lit a candle in memory of Mario Albert Reyes, Sr."
"Dear Sherry my heart breaks for you and your family. You are such a sweet kind person and do loose the love of your life, your partner for most of your life is so sad, prayers for you and your family. Love, Fernanda"
"Dearest Sherry and family, Duane and I would like to send you our sincere condolences on the loss of Mario. You are all in our prayers. Love, Duane and Jill Martin"
"My brother Gus and I saw Mario recently at a restaurant. Were all so happy to see each other. He was his his usual happy self, laughing and joking with us. I offer my deepest condolences. We will truly miss him!,"
"My name is Aunt Debbie or as everyone in Los Banos knows me as Diver, a name that was given to me many many years ago by my brother-in -law Mario. I have so many fond memories like: Listening to the Oldies, going to the Forbay, BBQ's, Mayday fair, trip to San Francisco. Anytime I needed Mario he was there for me. One time in particular he drove all the way to McFarland, picked me up and then drove me to Bakersfield to pick up my husband Gordon because at that time I didn't know the area. Then he turned right around and drove back home a 2 1/2 hr. drive. One other time I told him to stop by and pick me up in this big truck and i would ride to Bakersfield with him. Well it was not easy getting into that big truck, Gordon could hear me yelling and laughing all the way down the block. Mario would pick on me a lot but Sherry always told me that was the way he showed his love for me. I just showed my love with hugs and kisses, and a few come backs, LOL I just wanted to say that I love all of you, especially to my sister Sherry. I will miss you Mario, rest in peace. Love you, Debra Hunt "Diver""
"Dear Reyes Family, I just wanted you to know that I truly am so sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of going over to your home though the years while Lisa and I were growing up, I used to love the way Mario used to make me laugh by telling me, "go tell your Dad to get busy", You were always so gracious, and such good friends through the years. We love you, and we know that you will get through this with the love and support of your family and friends. Love, Suzanne Laguna Bagley"