|
Reynaldo “Rey” Cervantes
October 8, 1946 - April 17, 2021
Reynaldo grew up in Scottsbluff, NE, and attended Roosevelt Grade School, graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1965 and attended Scottsbluff Junior College and Nebraska Western College. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish for many years and participated in the Fiesta del Valle dance group in the 1960s.
Rey began working in the sugar beet fields in the panhandle of western Nebraska and moved to Omaha in 1970 where he worked as a student counselor while attending classes at the University of Nebraska Omaha, majoring in Public Administration. He was employed by the Nebraska State Department of Labor directing the Farm Labor Program in 1976. In 1978 he joined OSHA and worked with the organization for 15 years in the Chicago area teaching at the OSHA Training Institute as a curriculum developer. He produced a live webcast (TVlatinanebraska.com) focusing on community issues. He retired in 2002 and went into a consulting business until his health began failing.
He is survived by his wife Cirila; children Gabby, Reynold, and Nilo (Rebecca) Cervantes; Sandy Molander (Brett), Mike DeSantiago, Joe DeSantiago (Antoinette), Rita Nistl and Jovita DeSantiago; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; siblings Margaret Cervantes, Adela Serrano, Jesse Cervantes (Lori), Joe Cervantes (Marie), Helen Pina, Irene Dominguez and Danny Cervantes (Jeannie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Pedro Cervantes, brother Andrew, and sister Annie Flores.
Celebration of Life Services visitation will be held Saturday, April 24, at 9am at Good Shepherd in Omaha with Rosary at 10:30am. A webcast is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 at 9:30am Mountain Time.
Good Shepherd Funeral Services: http://www.gsfuneral.com/obituaries
On a personal note:
I will miss Rey’s humor, his compassion of life, his willingness to help anyone with kindness, regardless of the situation. His sincere and complimentary manner added to his persona. Thanks, Rey, for having been in my life since kindergarten.
You made our world a better place!
R.I.P. Amigo – Kathy Dickson
|
Jl Schmidt (Schmidt)
Rey was quite the guy. Great musician with a wonderful voice and a lot of style.
Probably got to know him better in his later years of activism in the South Omaha community. Always enjoyed the interaction via telephone, e-mail and Facebook. His cousin Marty Ramirez (SSHS 1963) has kept me posted as well.
Rest in Peace dear brother.
JL Schmidt
Robert Cox
Reynold and I first met in the 7th grade, graduated together and maintained a friendship via long distance until now. He was funny and they broke the mold when he was born. RIP my friend.Dorothea Guettler (Moy)
Rey was a fun loving guy. He always had a smile for everyone. May God give his family peace knowing that he was loved and lived a full life.
Donald Zimbelman
Sorry to hear the news of the passing of Rey. Don't know if this was sudden or if he was ill but he'll be missed by all. RIP Rey. See you on the other side.
Jane Purtzer
So very sorry! My brother Rey Rey has left us! Blessings and prayers for all his family and friends!!
Jane Purtzer
Bruce Brandt
Reconnecting via facebook after many, many years, I found Rey admirable for his political and social activism. He was very involved and worked hard to make the world a better place.