Patriarch, pioneer of Holland’s Latino community, Celestino ‘Tino’ Reyes Sr., dies at 89

HOLLAND — Celestino “Tino” Reyes Sr., a central figure in West Michigan’s Latino advocacy movement and a co-founder of Latin Americans United for Progress, died March 18 at his home. He was 89.

Reyes died surrounded by his wife, siblings, children and grandchildren, according to family members.

Born April 6, 1936, in Round Rock, Texas, Reyes relocated to Holland, where he spent the majority of his life. He was a veteran employee of the H.J. Heinz Co., retiring after 37 years of service. He concluded his career as a supervisor for the vinegar line, overseeing operations in Holland, Zeeland and Borculo.

Reyes was a primary architect of Latino civil rights infrastructure in Ottawa County. In 1964, he helped establish Latin Americans United for Progress, or LAUP, and served as its first president. The organization was formed to advocate for the rights and advancement of the local Latino population through bilingual education, consumer protection and community festivals.

"Tino was a visionary leader and a pillar of our community. In 1964, alongside Lupita Reyes, Juan Vasquez, Gilberto Marroquin Sr., and Raymond Gutierrez, he helped found Latin Americans United for Progress with a mission to uplift and empower Latino families in Holland," LAUP posted on Facebook on Friday, March 20.

"His legacy lives on in the generations of leaders, families, and community members whose lives have been shaped by his commitment, courage, and belief in the power of unity and progress. Because of Tino, LAUP became more than an organization — it became a movement rooted in dignity, opportunity, and cultural pride," the organization said.

In 1991, Reyes expanded his community work by leading the Villa Aurora program, which provided shelter and resources for those experiencing homelessness. He also served as a liaison between the Latino community, local law enforcement and business leaders to address cultural barriers and improve regional relationships.

Reyes lived an interesting life with wife, Lupita “Lu” Reyes.

The couple’s early experiences with discrimination in the 1950s and '60s — including difficulties securing housing in Holland — inspired much of their later activism. While Reyes focused on organizational leadership and professional supervision, Lu Reyes pursued advanced degrees in social work and founded the long-running radio program “Alegría Latina.” 

“He was the man that was the wind beneath my wings. He may not have wanted me to do some things, but he never stood in my way and, in his own way, encouraged me. Above all, he was always there for anyone who needed help — never thinking about himself, but how he could serve others,” Lu Reyes said.

To honor their collective impact, the Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative recently established the Lupita Reyes Scholarship Fund at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation to support Latino students in Ottawa County.

The Reyes home also served as a site for social service, as the couple hosted numerous exchange students and foster children through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Reyes is survived by his wife, Lupita; children, Tino Jr., Lori, Marty, Lisa, and Michelle; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Richard and Ruben Reyes, and sisters Val Castillo, Irene Castillo, Nancy Reyes, and Linda Reyes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Dionicia Reyes; brothers Juan, Mingo, and Joe; sisters Isabella, Bernadina, and Peggy; and a granddaughter, Aubrey Kasinger.

Visitation is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, at Dykstra Funeral Home, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland. A wake prayer will be 7:30-8 p.m. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 26, at St. Francis de Sales Church, 171 W. 13th St., Holland.

Read the full obituary here.