Obituary of Reinaldo Reynaldo

Reinaldo "Ray" Reynaldo was a devoted son, a loving husband, a doting father, a proud grandfather, and a fantastic friend. Ray was born on May 1, 1946 in Havana, Cuba. In 1960, at the age of 14, he came to the United States as a political refugee, unable to speak English and with nothing but a suitcase. He came alone to live with a cousin, not knowing if he would ever see his parents again. Fortunately, two years later his parents were able to escape and reunite with their son in the United States, and the family soon moved to Maryland for his father's work. At the age of 20 Ray met the love of his life, Rebeca "Becky" Fernandez. They were married in 1970 and spent 38 wonderful years together, living most recently in Oak Hill, VA. Ray and Becky enjoyed frequent date nights and always made time for each other. They spent time traveling, biking, dining and socializing with close friends, also known as "The Sixes" and "El Grupito". Their greatest joy together was spending time with their children and their two young grandchildren, Alex and Maddy. Nothing meant more to Ray than his children, Brian and Christina. He took advantage of every opportunity to be with them and cheer them on, never missing a single meet, game, recital, or event as they grew up. At every opportunity he told his family that he loved them and how proud he was of each of their accomplishments, big or small. Ray insisted on weekly "family nights" which were once deemed excessive by his children, but are now some of the most treasured memories of their youth. Ray's determination was apparent very early in life. It took him nine grueling years to complete his degree at George Mason University, as he was also starting a family, working full time, and taking care of his ailing parents. Ray worked for numerous federal agencies, finally arriving at the Department of Transportation where he has been recognized for exceptional achievement. Ray was consistently praised for meeting all of his departmental goals, exceeding expectations, and doing so ahead of schedule. Although Ray has passed on, his spirit will live forever on the faces, and in the hearts, of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Becky; son Brian, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and granddaughter Madeline; and daughter Christina, son-in-law Brad, and grandson Alexander. Ray's family will receive friends and condolences Thursday, January 15, from 6-9pm at Adams Green Funeral Home in Herndon. A funeral mass will be held Friday, January 16, at 11am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston. If you would like to make a donation in Ray's memory, please contact the American Heart Association at (800) 242-8721 or mail your donations to the American Heart Association; In Memory of Reinaldo "Ray" Reynaldo; 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060.