Cesar A. Reyes, Jr., the son of Dominican immigrants, was born in New York City,  and raised in Rahway,        New Jersey.  He was the first of his family to be a natural-born citizen of the United States, but was raised traditionally, in a Spanish-speaking home, and learned English as a second language.  Although his family struggled economically,  Cesar excelled as a high school student and a track athlete.  He dabbled with the guitar and saxophone and pursued his passion for skiing by working as a ski instructor throughout college.                He became known to his friends as "Ces."​

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Throughout childhood, Cesar built model airplanes and dreamed of flying. He graduated Rahway High School in1982 and completed an aviation program at Nathaniel Hawthorne College, New Hampshire in 1986.  He began as a flight instructor at Mac Dan Aviation in Fairfield, New Jersey, advanced into the company's charter department flying small twin engine aircrafts and by 1989, he landed his first airline job-- flying a Metroliner for Mohawk Airways.  Later, he became Captain of a 19-seat Beechcraft at U.S. CommutAir. In March of 1995, his dream came true.  He was hired as a First Officer at Spirit Airlines piloting a DC-9 jet.  He was quickly promoted to Captain, where he worked until his death.  At Spirit, Cesar added the MD-80 and Airbus 320 series to his list of equipment flown and joined the company's training department.  He even obtained the prestigious title of Designated Examiner, a position sanctioned by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Cesar dreamed, but had a solid work ethic.  He was a pure man of principal--just, moral, and generous to a fault.  He was loyal, loving and truthful.  He was gentle and sensitive.  He saw the best in others and expected the best.  He had high ideals and strong convictions.

 

Cesar was an excellent son, an excellent brother, an excellent husband, an excellent father, an excellent nephew and cousin, and an excellent friend.  He was universally beloved for his fine character, his wonderful sense of humor, and for his easy-going and fun-loving nature. 

 

Ces died of a sudden heart attack in 2011 at the age of 46.  He left behind two lovely daughters, Emma and Madison.  His death was a traumatic loss for his family and all who knew and loved him.

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He is a brilliant example of excellence of spirit and character.