Celestino “Tino” Reyes, Sr., age 89, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his wife, brothers and sisters, all of his children, many grandchildren, and close family friends.
Tino was born on April 6, 1936, in Round Rock, Texas, to Juan and Dionicia Reyes. Although he was raised in Texas, he spent most of his life in Holland, Michigan. He was known for his deep faith in God, his kindness, strong work ethic, and his compassion for people and causes in his community.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lupita (“Lu”) Reyes; his children, Tino Jr. (Heather) Reyes, Lori (Mario) Ramirez, Marty (Sulema) Reyes, Lisa (Rick) Altamira, and Michelle Lawrence (Larry Klingenberg). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Lauren (Levi Urias), Melissa (Tyler) Burke, Steven (Regina) Johnson, Jamie (Rob) Spear, John DeJonge, Rudy Alfaro, Derek Reyes, Josh (Amanda) Reyes, Ricky Altamira, Nick Altamira, Alyssa (Chhory) Sin, Tony Lawrence, Andrew Baker, Lily and (Austin) Anderson; along with 16 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
He is further survived by his brothers, Richard and Ruben Reyes; his sisters, Val Castillo, Irene Castillo, Nancy Reyes, and Linda Reyes; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Tino was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Sr. and Dionicia Reyes; his brothers, Juan, Mingo, and Joe Reyes; his sisters, Isabella Reyes, Bernadina Marrero, and Peggy Reyes; and his granddaughter, Aubrey Kasinger.
Tino dedicated 37 years of his career to the H.J. Heinz Company, working in Holland, Zeeland, and Borculo, Michigan. He concluded his career as a supervisor on the third-floor vinegar line.
Beyond his professional life, Tino made a lasting impact in his community. In 1964, he helped establish Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP), serving as its first president. He played a key role in shaping its mission to advocate for the rights and advancement of Latin Americans in the Holland area. Throughout the years, he remained actively involved in LAUP’s programs, including bilingual education, Fiesta, and consumer education initiatives.
In 1991, Tino led the Villa Aurora program, providing shelter and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. He also worked closely with local law enforcement and area businesses to foster cultural understanding and improve relationships within the Latino community.
Tino will be remembered for his selflessness and his willingness to help anyone in need. Together, he and his wife opened their home to foster children through the Department of Health and Human Services foster care program, as well as to exchange students. Their home became a place of refuge not only for those formally placed in their care, but also for friends of their children who, at different seasons of life, needed a place to stay. All were welcomed and made part of the family.
Tino also led by example as a man of faith. His love extended far beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of many.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Dykstra Funeral Home, 188 W 32nd St., Holland, MI 49423, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Wake Prayer from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Francis de Sales Church, 171 W 13th St., Holland, MI 49423.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
LAUP (General Fund): https://laup.org/donate Community Action House: https://communityactionhouse.app.neoncrm.com/forms/give
“Lord, give me the strength to provide, the humility to serve, and the wisdom to lead my family with love. Help me to reflect Your grace in my home today. Amen.”
Lu Reyes shared:
“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.”
Lori Ramirez shared:
“My dad would tell me, ‘When you say you can’t, it’s because you won’t.”
Marty Reyes shared:
“People saw a man of strength, but I saw a man of prayer. Knowing that my father stood in the gap for me before God is a blessing I can’t put into words. He showed me that being a ‘real man’ means being a servant first. God was always important to my dad, and God is first to me as well. Also, thank you, dad, for passing along an interest in technology. It was before I was in second grade, I found an oscilloscope kit that my dad had purchased to learn electronics. From there, I was hooked! From that point on, electronics and technology became my thing. I bet I would have told you in second grade that I put that oscilloscope together, but I am sure it was only complete in the mind of a second grader. Later, my dad won a computer at a local store and even though my older brother and sister though it was all of ours, this bit of technology became my baby. I still have it today! A Commodore 64 and it still works. My dad allowed all of us kids to explore and pursue our interests and supported us in his own ways. You know, I wonder, how many times he prayed for us and we just didn’t know it. In his last days, I laughed, cried and prayed with my dad. I got to serve the man who led by example in serving others. It really was the best of times.”
Lisa Altamira shared:
“The most honest person I know. He put God in the forefront of his life. His family was very important to him. Family wasn’t limited to the people he was related to. It was anyone who came to him needing help or a place to stay. Many of his children’s friends became family this way.”
Michelle Lawrence shared:
“My dad was a man of quiet strength and immense humility, whose life was defined by the patient lessons he shared with me. To me, he wasn’t just a father; he was a constant partner in every project and adventure. Whether he was helping maneuver a tractor bucket to put the extension ladder in or turning a pile of scrap wood into something useful for the house, he approached every task with a sense of companionship and compassion. He taught by example, showing that anything could be built or fixed with enough patience and a little bit of ingenuity. His legacy lives on in the many life lessons he left behind and the sturdy projects that still stand as a testament to his handiwork.”
Derek Reyes shared:
“One thing I remember about Grandpa Tino is finding him outdoors tending to the lawn or planting something in the yard. I imagine he’s in heaven tending to a pristine garden. I believe it speaks to the way he, together with Grandma Lu, grew and built a strong and loving family.”
Tony Lawrence shared:
“One of my favorite memories is when I took him out for lunch to get hot dogs. He ordered two, ate one and a half, and then brought the remaining half back to my mom’s house to give to the dog. To me, Grandpa was the definition of family and faith. He always told me to keep those two things closest to my heart and never stray far from them.”
Lauren Urias shared:
“Grandpa was the backbone of our family. His ability to tell it like it is and his quiet strength are things that I have always admired. Even more, my grandpa never missed a chance to share that God and family are the most important things in life. This faith and love that he instilled has been woven through generations in our family and will continue to root us. My favorite memories of my grandpa will always be having conversations with him and listening to him share stories while sitting around the table at family get togethers.”
Melissa Burke shared:
“My grandpa has always instilled family values and stressed the importance of having God in your life. He was an amazing person in every aspect of his life, from the work he did to the family he raised. It shows every single day in his kids and grandkids. The selflessness he showed throughout his life will leave a lasting impact. If you knew my grandpa, you were lucky enough to know his never-ending support, care, and wisdom. He always knew what to say and had a prayer to go along with it. I will never forget the prayers, the speeches he’d give, or the stories he would share. My favorite thing was hearing “hi mija” followed by a big hug. One of my favorite memories of him was when we were at Aunt Lisa’s house and the boys were picking up a large tractor tire. Grandpa thought he would like to do it too. He lifted that thing with all of his might. In that moment, I saw the young man who came to Michigan to begin paving the way for his family to have the best life. He taught our family how to love, how to respect, and how to live. He kept us on our toes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. “
Alyssa Sin shared:
“To me, Grandpa was never just Grandpa — he was my dad. I’ve always been included as one of his kids (he just spoiled me a little more and reprimanded me a little less ), and that’s exactly how he loved me.
As the oldest daughter of his youngest child, Michelle, I had the gift of growing up especially close to him. Some of my favorite childhood memories are the simplest ones — like him teaching me how to drive the lawn mower… usually while I was wearing a dress, of course. That was just part of the experience
Grandpa was a man of deep and unwavering faith. He lived by “God first, everything else second,” and he didn’t just say it — he lived it. He served on more boards and councils than I can count, and somehow, I was always right there with him. I liked to think I was his assistant and note taker… although in reality, my contributions were mostly doodles, since I was so young I couldn’t even write yet.
As I grew older and life became busier, one thing never changed — Grandpa never stopped calling to check in. Every conversation began the same way:
“Hi mija! This is your Grandpa Tino calling…”
As if I didn’t already know his voice or have his number saved
But that was him — intentional, loving, and always making sure I knew exactly who was on the other end.
He was just as intentional with my family. Even though he only had a few years with Chhory and the boys, he always made a point to ask about them — every single time we spoke. He welcomed them in with open arms and graciously opened his backyard so the boys could have unlimited access to fishing, something they absolutely enjoy. That was Grandpa — making people feel like they belonged, no matter how much time they had with him.
Surrounded by the support, love, and encouragement of the beautiful family he helped create, I had the honor of helping care for him in his final weeks and last hours — and even after his life on earth had ended. It was a sacred honor I will carry with me forever.
My heart is sad that I won’t get his check-in calls or hear his voice anymore, but my heart and soul are at peace, knowing exactly where he is — in God’s kingdom, no longer in pain.
Grandpa taught me patience, faith, and the importance of family. He taught me to stand firm in what I believe, to do right by God, and to love deeply and consistently.
He was more than a grandfather to me.
He was my dad.”
Joshua Reyes shared:
“One of my fondest memories of Grandpa is from Thanksgiving. Our whole family joined hands in a big circle to pray over the meal. Before we prayed, Grandpa spoke to all of us about the importance of unity in our family and putting our faith first. I took those words to heart, and they’ve stayed with me ever since. They’ve guided me as I try to lead my own family in the same way he led his with love, faith, and togetherness.”
“His legacy of faith, service, and love will live on through all who knew him.”
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