Reinaldo Mercado was known by the majority as “Rey”. To his family and friends he was called by many different names. He was “Viejo” to his wife, “Papi” to his children and son-in-law, “Grandpa” and “Gramps” to his grandchildren, “Papa” to his great-granddaughter, “Tio” to nieces and nephews, “King”, “Boxer”, and “Olympian” to his close friends and family. However, when any of them would talk and tell stories about him there was one sentence and term of endearment they all referred to him as , “He was the G.O.A.T”.

Rey was a good husband who loved his wife unconditionally and did anything to make her happy. He was a loving and caring dad who worked very hard, made many sacrifices, and always found a way to make sure that his children were good, happy, and had everything they needed to be successful. His grandchildren and great-grandchild were his world. They had him wrapped around their fingers and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. That smile and happiness that shined on his face whenever he was with them or spoke with them is indescribable. His nieces and nephews adored him and would always make it a point to say and ask, “I am your favorite. Right, Tio?”

Rey didn’t have to tell people that he was a God-fearing, Christian man. He showed love to everyone. He treated everyone with respect. He would give you his last dollar or shirt off his back. If he had nothing, he found a way to make sure you had what you needed, regardless of who you were. He kept a tight rein on his tongue. There were no quarrels, and no gossip and he stopped you in your tracks if you attempted to do any of those things. There was never any judgement from him, only acceptance and positivity. Whenever there were any issues, he was the first one to step up and remind us about the importance of forgiveness.

He loved gatherings that consisted of his wife, kids, family, Puerto Rican food, salsa music, card games (Black Jack), and let us not forget the dominoes. He could beat you at a game of dominoes with his eyes closed. Everyone grabbing their 7 dominoes. By the time you were done sorting your hand he had already set aside one particular domino and spun it. He already knew your next move. He would nod his head before you threw down a domino making you think twice. Before your domino hit that table, it was too late. He was already singing, “I Like it Like That”. Round after round, that domino would spin and he would have a smile on his face. Next thing you know that spinning domino is played and game is over. Nine times out of ten “Capicú”.

Rey was an Olympian who trained his children in the sport of boxing when they were young. He trained them to use the skills as a defense. He could have easily knocked someone out in a second during any confrontation. Instead, he chose kindness, love, forgiveness, patience, and selflessness to win his battles. His memory and legacy will live on forever.