Mahwah Father Died After Checking Into ER With Pneumonia

MAHWAH, NJ – The community is rallying to help the family of a Mahwah man who died after he was admitted to the emergency room with pneumonia and an enlarged heart.

Fundraising efforts are underway in memory of Edwin Reyes, who died on Aug. 8 at the age of 32.

As of Wednesday morning, more than $7,000 has been donated to a GoFundMe page for the Reyes family.

Alice Sroga, the campaign’s organizer, wrote, “We have opened this GoFundMe for anyone that would like to help financially with the funeral & arrangements costs - there is no amount too small or unappreciated.”

“I think that the best way that we can honor him and his memory is to take a little time to serve his precious family through this tragedy. Whether it's prayers, physically holding them up, sending sweet notes or messages over the next few days, weeks and months, errands, childcare, the list could go on - no deed is too small or unappreciated at this time,” she wrote.

“He was so much to so many people,” Sroga wrote.”Our lives are all a little brighter and our hearts are a little fuller having known him.”

Reyes leaves behind a wife, Christina, and two daughters, 3-year-old Mia May, and 1-year-old Elena Lynn. Reyes is also survived by his mother, stepfather and six younger siblings.

“By the time he was in high school, Edwin was an extraordinary opera singer and won multiple singing competitions. He continued to perform opera and classical music throughout his years. Unafraid and always up for a challenge, Edwin soon moved from California to New Jersey. It was here that he met the love of his life, Christine Mapes, and started a family of his own,” according to his obituary.

“Christine and Edwin had two gorgeous baby girls that adored him. Edwin cherished countless hours with his girls as a role model and protector. The wildlife center and the zoo were beloved family outings. As a father, he fostered his children's natural affinity for music. He wanted his girls to enjoy a passion for music just like their dad. Edwin was an amazing, hands-on father to his loving daughters, and will be greatly missed,” his obituary said.

A wake was held Monday at the Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home in Ramsey, followed by private services, according to his obituary.