Emil Charles "Mel" Reyes Baronia, age, 47, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Survived by his son, Eli Matthew Baronia; parents, Eladio Antonio "Toto" Aguirre Baronia and Maria Diadema "Deng" Reyes Baronia; siblings, Edward Anthony "Ton-Ton" (Amanda) Reyes Baronia, and Erynne Marie (Mitchell Vermeersch) Reyes Baronia; nieces and nephews, Emiliano Alexandre, Emira Marie, Mylo and Martin "Marty"; aunts and uncles, Fannie Ruby, Ching Panaligan, Elena Baronia, Mary Lou de Vera, Romeo Reyes, Gilda de Leon, and Marielle Reyes. Many dear cousins and friends also survive.

Preceded in death by his cousins, Jay Vincent Baronia Panaligan, and Ronald Mel Baronia Cave; grandparents, aunts, uncles, and his god parents.

A loving son and brother, devoted father, disciplined student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and friend to all he came in contact with, Mel fought kidney disease for 12 years. Each time a complication or hurdle came his way, he took it with grace and humility, often minimizing the severity to comfort those that worried about him. He was generous with his love, eager to share a laugh, and always had a smile on his face when recounting one of his many stories. His legacy will live on in the love that will be shared with his son, Eli.

Visitation for Mel will be held at the Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 West Jefferson St. Joliet on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 2 pm – 10 pm. Funeral Services will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 400 N. Whitetail Circle, Mt. Zion, IL 62549, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, 1600 W. King Street. Decatur, IL 62522.

For information, please call (815) 725-0100 or visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com